Have some questions regarding buying DVC

[bighoo93]

Originally Posted by maburke

wendow, I see from your sig that this was your very first trip to WDW. Although I'm not one of the people that says you should stay at every sngle DVC resort before you choose your home resort, I do think you should not buy a resort you've never seen after only one trip. I agree with the suggestion that you should stay at OKW, and go over and look at SSR, before buying. I highly recommend OKW for a big family. That's where my BIL owned, and where we always stayed, until we bought BCV when it was first available. When we went "home" to BCV for the first time (my husband hadn't even seen the models), my DH was extremely disappointed by the size. I don't think he's ever got used to how much smaller they are than OKW. That is NOT the reaction I wanted after putting that kind of money into our new "home!"

Interesting. We stayed at OKW a few week ago and loved it, in particular the HUGE rooms. We were already planning our next trip (in our minds anyway) and had BCV at the top of our list, mostly due to the pool and proximity to the boardwalk, which we thought would be interesting. We went over there one evening to walk around and eat at Beaches and Cream (including the Kitchen Sink!!), and at least I came away less sure that was the place for me to go next. I didn't see the rooms, so it wasn't that. I know everywhere the rooms will be smaller. It was just a "busier" atmosphere. That doesn't make it a bad thing. There was a lot more "stuff" around, shops, places to eat, etc. And with that, a lot more people. The lobby was packed. There were a ton of people around at all the restaurants. And this was mid-September. Could have been due to the rain, there was nobody actually out on the boardwalk except for crazy poncho-wearing fools like us. But OKW just seemed so laid back that it made BCV seem like rush hour in Manhattan. For our family, I'm not sure that's what we are looking for at this point, but that is just completely a personal choice.

So this is a long way of suggesting that I agree, it is worth at least taking a visit to a place that you may want to own as your home resort. You have to pay a premium for the ones that require advanced reservations (i.e., every one except OKW and SSR), so make sure that is worth it to you.

[Deb & Bill]

Originally Posted by maburke

wendow, I see from your sig that this was your very first trip to WDW. Although I'm not one of the people that says you should stay at every sngle DVC resort before you choose your home resort, I do think you should not buy a resort you've never seen after only one trip. ....

We bought both VWL and BCV pre-opening and bought OKW on our first trip to WDW (in 1997) when we stayed at the Polynesian. At that time we had only stayed at OKW, BWV and VB (which was about everything but HHI). I really don't think you need stay somewhere before you buy. Maybe it was just easier many years ago when there were fewer DVC resorts.

But in those days resale cost about the same as direct.

The resorts connected directly to theme parks tend to be more crowded, especially since they are also connected to a deluxe resort because so many people visit them to eat, shop and illegally park ().

[wendow]

Originally Posted by maburke

wendow, I see from your sig that this was your very first trip to WDW. Although I'm not one of the people that says you should stay at every sngle DVC resort before you choose your home resort, I do think you should not buy a resort you've never seen after only one trip. I agree with the suggestion that you should stay at OKW, and go over and look at SSR, before buying. I highly recommend OKW for a big family. That's where my BIL owned, and where we always stayed, until we bought BCV when it was first available. When we went "home" to BCV for the first time (my husband hadn't even seen the models), my DH was extremely disappointed by the size. I don't think he's ever got used to how much smaller they are than OKW. That is NOT the reaction I wanted after putting that kind of money into our new "home!"

Yes, it was first trip as a family and first time staying onsite. I visited WDW several times back in the 80's as a kid but we never stayed onsite. I see the wisdom in your advice to visit OKW and SSR. I really do. Here is where I have trouble with that. We are frugal people. If we just spent $2800 on a room and will spend at least that next time to rent points, then that is almost $6000 that could have gone towards purchasing a contract. Is that the smart thing to do? Or do I go ahead and buy a contract now and just plan to see these resorts next time we go? We might even be staying there if BLT is not available at 7 mos out. I can't see wanting to stay at BLT forever but it sure is convenient when kiddos are little.

You must have been so disappointed that your dh didn't like the room at BCV. I can see that would be very hard and I can see why you recommend to see the place before buying there.

[wendow]

Originally Posted by bighoo93

Interesting. We stayed at OKW a few week ago and loved it, in particular the HUGE rooms. We were already planning our next trip (in our minds anyway) and had BCV at the top of our list, mostly due to the pool and proximity to the boardwalk, which we thought would be interesting. We went over there one evening to walk around and eat at Beaches and Cream (including the Kitchen Sink!!), and at least I came away less sure that was the place for me to go next. I didn't see the rooms, so it wasn't that. I know everywhere the rooms will be smaller. It was just a "busier" atmosphere. That doesn't make it a bad thing. There was a lot more "stuff" around, shops, places to eat, etc. And with that, a lot more people. The lobby was packed. There were a ton of people around at all the restaurants. And this was mid-September. Could have been due to the rain, there was nobody actually out on the boardwalk except for crazy poncho-wearing fools like us. But OKW just seemed so laid back that it made BCV seem like rush hour in Manhattan. For our family, I'm not sure that's what we are looking for at this point, but that is just completely a personal choice.

So this is a long way of suggesting that I agree, it is worth at least taking a visit to a place that you may want to own as your home resort. You have to pay a premium for the ones that require advanced reservations (i.e., every one except OKW and SSR), so make sure that is worth it to you.

That is funny! BCV is one of the ones I am drawn to also. We loved BLT, in part, because of the "busy" atmosphere. We live such a quiet life normally that I think it just felt so different to us but relaxing all that the same time...not sure how that is really possible But it was good! I love quiet and relaxing also though so OKW is very appealing. Back before we booked BLT and were researching resorts, OKW really appealed to me. Actually most (all?) of the DVC's appeal to me.

[DougEMG]

Originally Posted by wendow

Thanks for the help I was figuring 9-10 years also before owning DVC would come out ahead of renting.

SO, since you have lots of SSR points, are you able to book out BLT at 7 mos...2 bedroom...have you ever tried? I guess I am thinking if we could get BLT a good amount of the time, I would be ok buying a SSR contract. I honestly would like to try all the DVC resorts...at least at WDW. But while my kids are young and rest time is important, I do want the convenience of BLT. Once we are no longer in the "nap/stroller/mad rush after Wishes to get back to the room" stage, I'm not sure I care so much about the closeness of the resort to the parks.

I personally haven't stayed at BLT, for me the point costs are too high and I prefer to stay at BWV.

I have rented out quite a few points and have managed to book people into all the resorts at the 7 month window, but also a lot of people have not gotten what they wanted when looking 3-4 months away.

The following factors are going to effect your chance of getting a room at 7 months:
1 how flexible you are with your dates
2 how long a stay you want
3 how popular a time it is for that resort (BWV and BCV at F&W)
4 how many rooms there are for what you want

BLT is one of the more popular resorts because of being able to walk to MK.

Given that you've said you are frugal, want to stay at all the resorts, want BLT while your kids are young, I would buy SSR and then hope for the best at the 7 month mark.

[ELMC]

Originally Posted by DougEMG

I personally haven't stayed at BLT, for me the point costs are too high and I prefer to stay at BWV.

I have rented out quite a few points and have managed to book people into all the resorts at the 7 month window, but also a lot of people have not gotten what they wanted when looking 3-4 months away.

The following factors are going to effect your chance of getting a room at 7 months:
1 how flexible you are with your dates
2 how long a stay you want
3 how popular a time it is for that resort (BWV and BCV at F&W)
4 how many rooms there are for what you want

BLT is one of the more popular resorts because of being able to walk to MK.

Given that you've said you are frugal, want to stay at all the resorts, want BLT while your kids are young, I would buy SSR and then hope for the best at the 7 month mark.

Doug brings up a lot of good points here. I wanted to add two comments about owning BLT points.

I think the idea of buying inexpensive SSR points and using them at BLT is very attractive. If you are flexible and easy going this could be the way to go for you. Although I try, I am not as easy going as I would like to be, so I bought at BLT because that is where we want to stay. But I only did so because I got a really good deal ($80pp plus closing and the contract had 3 years worth of points). I love owning at BLT, but I'm not sure I would be as willing to buy BLT if the price were higher.

That being said, out of curiosity I decided to check availability for the dates we are staying in April of 2013 and booked using the 11 month advantage. All the dates were available in the room category we wanted. So although technically I could've gotten that reservation even if I had bought at SSR, I did receive a lot of comfort over the past four months knowing I wouldn't have to risk it.

In the end, it's a matter of personal choice and comfort level. Listen to the stories of others, but make your decision based on what works for you, not us.

[DougEMG]

Originally Posted by ELMC

Doug brings up a lot of good points here. I wanted to add two comments about owning BLT points.

I think the idea of buying inexpensive SSR points and using them at BLT is very attractive. If you are flexible and easy going this could be the way to go for you. Although I try, I am not as easy going as I would like to be, so I bought at BLT because that is where we want to stay. But I only did so because I got a really good deal ($80pp plus closing and the contract had 3 years worth of points). I love owning at BLT, but I'm not sure I would be as willing to buy BLT if the price were higher.

That being said, out of curiosity I decided to check availability for the dates we are staying in April of 2013 and booked using the 11 month advantage. All the dates were available in the room category we wanted. So although technically I could've gotten that reservation even if I had bought at SSR, I did receive a lot of comfort over the past four months knowing I wouldn't have to risk it.

In the end, it's a matter of personal choice and comfort level. Listen to the stories of others, but make your decision based on what works for you, not us.

And for ELMC his was the right decision as well. What it shows is that there is no one solution fits all. To always be positive you'll get into the resort you want, you have to own at that resort.

Assuming everything else being equal (banked points, closing costs, MF), when comparing a SSR contract vrs a BLT contract you are going to pay at least $30/point more for the BLT contract over the SSR contract. Would you rather have SSR and the money or the security of owning BLT and knowing you can always book there? And that is a question only you can answer.

[wendow]

Thank you, Doug and everyone else! I really appreciate all the good advice. I think SSR is where we are leaning so now the search begins for a good contract. I'll have lots more questions about that soon I'm sure

[333disneymom]

Originally Posted by wendow

Thank you, Doug and everyone else! I really appreciate all the good advice. I think SSR is where we are leaning so now the search begins for a good contract. I'll have lots more questions about that soon I'm sure

I really like BLT and BCV, but decided to go with SSR too. We would like to stay at all of the properties eventually and are happy to be in any of them. Hope you find a contract you like. If you are patient, the right one will come along.

[DougEMG]

Originally Posted by wendow

Thank you, Doug and everyone else! I really appreciate all the good advice. I think SSR is where we are leaning so now the search begins for a good contract. I'll have lots more questions about that soon I'm sure

Good luck with your search for a contract.