7 months out for BCV ???

[Cmbar]

We are trying to decide if we should buy BCV as our home resort or BLT. We prefer BCV because of various reasons, however we want BLT for the maintenance fees. However, we know that we will definitely want to go to BCV in the summer months. What are the likelyhood of getting 1 to 3 studios at BCV in the summer months at 7 months out?? We are thinking a weeks worth of time.

Thanks we know we won't want to go to BCV all the time. We just want to know that we at least have some shot at staying there some in the summertime.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are trying to decide if we should buy BCV as our home resort or BLT. We prefer BCV because of various reasons, however we want BLT for the maintenance fees. However, we know that we will definitely want to go to BCV in the summer months. What are the likelyhood of getting 1 to 3 studios at BCV in the summer months at 7 months out?? We are thinking a weeks worth of time.

Thanks we know we won't want to go to BCV all the time. We just want to know that we at least have some shot at staying there some in the summertime.

Three studios might be tough. If you really want BCV, buy BCV. Member fees change all the time and BLT could increase in the future because of the ammentities if offers.

 

[CarolA]

One easier, two a little harder, three?

It's not a big resort in the first place.

MF's can and WILL go up. I expect that those posters on here going "I am buying BLT for lower fees" will be back in a few years going "how come OUR fees go up the MAXIMUM allowed every year" LOL!

 

[Cmbar]

Thanks Deb and Carol. I have seen that you both have said that before abou the Maintenance fees. Our guide explained to us that the footprint of BLT is very small as far as land and therefore the largest portion of the maintenance fees, which is land tax will be lower than the other resorts. That part makes sense. He also stated that since BLT essentially took over the part of the Contp that was originally the north Tower, that the Contp basically is benefitting from the BLT being there. He said it didnt' make sense to them either that the Imagineers said the Maintenance on this building was going to be less, but he also didn't believe the fees will increase any more than the perecentage all the others will increase on a yearly basis.

Of course, we won't know until it happens.

That being said there are the other factors such as 15 less years and the free room in the summer with the extra SSR points. We were going anyways, so if I buy BCV I will loose that, pay more in maintenance and only pay about 400 less in initial investment. The money part makes more sense to buy BLT, but the emotional side says we like BCV more!

UGH!!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Haven't tried for a studio, but we got a 2br at the 7 month mark for this summer...8/15-8/22

 

[CandleontheWater]

I think that three is going to be pretty tough, but I wouldn't rule it out at impossible. The 15 extra years would push me over the edge, though. We really wanted to buy at Boardwalk, but in the end we decided we valued the extra years more than the guaranteed location. We've almost always gotten into the Boardwalk though, we even managed to snag 2 studios and a 2 bed with my parents during F&W at thre 7 month mark, so you never know what kind of pixie dust will come through for you!

 

[Tinker74]

I have gotten into BCV 3 years on the run now for summertime. Once in a 1 bed and twice in a studio..all at 7 months...thats just my experience.

 

[HeatherDew]

We joined DVC in October (bought AKV), and I booked our first stay at the 7-month mark for a BCV studio the first week of June. I was worried about getting a BCV reservation, especially for summer, but it worked out.

I'm guessing a ressie for 3 studios might be a little tougher, but maybe if you are flexible with dates or the villa size, you could improve your chances.

You don't mention wanting to stay at BLT, but if that interests you at all, then I would think that it would also be a benefit to owning there...it seems that BLT (particularly MK view villas) may be a tough reservation to get for awhile. Also, if you ever want the option of booking a Grand Villa, BCV does not have these, while BLT does (along with AKV, BWV, OKW, and SSR).

The prevailing opinion here seems to be "Buy where you want to stay." I agree with that philosophy, with perhaps a bit of a modification: "Buy where you want to stay, or at least buy where you won't mind staying and where it will give you the best deal/value for your purchase situation."

Personally, I want to stay at the Poly, but unfortunately, there isn't a DVC option there. So, my next choice was the only DVC on the monorail - BLT. But when we looked at the cost, incentives, etc., we decided AKV was the better value. We've stayed at AK Lodge before and had an enjoyable stay there, and if that is the only place we are ever able to get a ressie, we are OK with that (and even happier if we are lucky enough to get Concierge! ).

All you are really guaranteed with your DVC purchase is a stay at your home resort...if you could only use your points to stay at BLT, would you be happy there? If the answer is "yes," then you can feel comfortable buying there and trying for BCV (or another resort) at 7 months. If the answer is "no," then you should probably buy BCV, even if it means losing out on incentives and the extra years on the contract.

Sorry if this is more info than you wanted...hope it helps!

 

[sportsmom3279]

We were able to book 6 studios and a 2 bedroom at the 7 month mark for our grand gathering July 3-11. I was pleasantly surprised that there was availability for all of us especially over the 4th of July.

 

[Cmbar]

We joined DVC in October (bought AKV), and I booked our first stay at the 7-month mark for a BCV studio the first week of June. I was worried about getting a BCV reservation, especially for summer, but it worked out.

I'm guessing a ressie for 3 studios might be a little tougher, but maybe if you are flexible with dates or the villa size, you could improve your chances.

You don't mention wanting to stay at BLT, but if that interests you at all, then I would think that it would also be a benefit to owning there...it seems that BLT (particularly MK view villas) may be a tough reservation to get for awhile. Also, if you ever want the option of booking a Grand Villa, BCV does not have these, while BLT does (along with AKV, BWV, OKW, and SSR).

The prevailing opinion here seems to be "Buy where you want to stay." I agree with that philosophy, with perhaps a bit of a modification: "Buy where you want to stay, or at least buy where you won't mind staying and where it will give you the best deal/value for your purchase situation."

Personally, I want to stay at the Poly, but unfortunately, there isn't a DVC option there. So, my next choice was the only DVC on the monorail - BLT. But when we looked at the cost, incentives, etc., we decided AKV was the better value. We've stayed at AK Lodge before and had an enjoyable stay there, and if that is the only place we are ever able to get a ressie, we are OK with that (and even happier if we are lucky enough to get Concierge! ).

All you are really guaranteed with your DVC purchase is a stay at your home resort...if you could only use your points to stay at BLT, would you be happy there? If the answer is "yes," then you can feel comfortable buying there and trying for BCV (or another resort) at 7 months. If the answer is "no," then you should probably buy BCV, even if it means losing out on incentives and the extra years on the contract.

Sorry if this is more info than you wanted...hope it helps!

Thank you Heather (and everyone else!) that was what I was expecting to hear really. Not impossible, but not a guarantee. This really is a hard decision because it is between and emotional one (BCV) and a logical one (BLT). If you don't mind me asking, what was it about the incentives that made you choose AKV? Was this when the cost was lower? Right now AKV is only 1.25 per point less than BLT so it doesn't make sense, unless we want to buy just a 100 points then it would "cost" less but we would have less points, no free SSR points and pay just $100 less per yer.

 

[logan115]

Thank you Heather (and everyone else!) that was what I was expecting to hear really. Not impossible, but not a guarantee. This really is a hard decision because it is between and emotional one (BCV) and a logical one (BLT). If you don't mind me asking, what was it about the incentives that made you choose AKV? Was this when the cost was lower? Right now AKV is only 1.25 per point less than BLT so it doesn't make sense, unless we want to buy just a 100 points then it would "cost" less but we would have less points, no free SSR points and pay just $100 less per yer.

I'm in the exact same place as you. I know we should buy where we want to stay, and so far we've only stayed at BCV and SSR, but I'd really like to try AKV, BLT, VWL, BWV, and OKW in the future. I know it's hard to plan 33 years out , but I keep thinking that if I don't "break-even" for 15 years by owning DVC, that only leaves 18 years to really reap the benefits of owning DVC if I buy BCV and it expires in 2042. Not to mention we have two kiddies (DS 5 and DD 4 mos) and so the extra 12-18 years on the newer resorts is appealing to me - as are the resorts themselves !!!

Now, if the folks at DVC would offer a 15 yr extension at BCV similar to OKW it would be a no-brainer

My concern is never getting into BCV at 7 mos, but it appears that others have had some luck with it (we typically travel in mid-May, but we're not yet tied to the school calendar so I know that it will change) so maybe as an AKV/BLT owner I'd still be able to get a 1BR at BCV at the 7 mo mark.

Good luck, and if it makes you feel any better you're definitely not alone,

Chris

 

[Pakey]

I think the economy might be making it easier now to get in at the 7month mark. I bought a second BCV contract a few years ago after several years of trying to get in at 7 month mark with my SSR pts and being unable. This is especially true if you want to go during F&W.

Just because it's easy this year doesn't mean it will be in the future.

 

[Sandisw]

I had a similar dilema as you but with BLT> I really wanted to be at BLT but didn't to invest in the minimum 160 that required me to be there.

So, I decided to buy a small resale contract for VWL (since it was my 2nd choice resort) with the intent on adding on at BLT come summer. Once I owned at VWL, I would only have to purchase a smaller number of points at BLT. I would then have enough to stay at least some of my trip at BLT and if, at 7 months, could use the VWL points, GREAT...if not, at least I knew that 5 nights in a studio would be covered.

Of course, I couldn't wait and ended up adding on at BLT a week later, but having the two resorts worked and saved me some money doing it this way..in both initial costs an MF's over the next few years.

But, having said that, if BCV is really where you will be happy, than buy there and don't worry about the additional yearly MF. The worst thing, I think, is owning DVC and then not being happy or feeling disappointed when you get there..."If only I had...". I know for some the resort makes no difference. I know for us, it does and I happily paid the extra price per point for BLT to ensure that I will ALWAYS have some (if not all) of my trip there (we plan 11 months in advance since I am a teacher and only go in August).

Good luck...follow your heart!!!!

 

[Cmbar]

I'm in the exact same place as you. I know we should buy where we want to stay, and so far we've only stayed at BCV and SSR, but I'd really like to try AKV, BLT, VWL, BWV, and OKW in the future. I know it's hard to plan 33 years out , but I keep thinking that if I don't "break-even" for 15 years by owning DVC, that only leaves 18 years to really reap the benefits of owning DVC if I buy BCV and it expires in 2042. Not to mention we have two kiddies (DS 5 and DD 4 mos) and so the extra 12-18 years on the newer resorts is appealing to me - as are the resorts themselves !!!

Now, if the folks at DVC would offer a 15 yr extension at BCV similar to OKW it would be a no-brainer

My concern is never getting into BCV at 7 mos, but it appears that others have had some luck with it (we typically travel in mid-May, but we're not yet tied to the school calendar so I know that it will change) so maybe as an AKV/BLT owner I'd still be able to get a 1BR at BCV at the 7 mo mark.

Good luck, and if it makes you feel any better you're definitely not alone,

Chris

Thank Chris, I know this is a hard decision for some. I wish I was one that just jumped in without looking! We actually made a trip this weekend to look at all the resorts. We walked 11 resorts and learned some new things. The most interesting was that my DH and I actually liked AKV - or at least Jambo. We thought the pool area was awesome and loved the restaurants. We could have bought there last year, but I didn't like dark. I was surprised that I did like it this time. Also, DH said he didn't ever think he would really like VWL, but we walked around there and decided we definitely would like it.

Our main reason for going was to see if the BLT would be a major turn off. Well it wasn't a major turn off, the rooms are nice. The Contemp. is under refurbish and man does that building need some updating on the outside. The fourth floor with the new Cafe and shopping is very pretty, but the walkway out to the bridge, really needs some work. I felt like I was walking out to the maintenance area with all the old heaters and brown doors everywhere. I was dissappointed with the "old" feeling at the Contmp. Of course the BLT wasn't completed yet either so we saw lots of construction, plus the pool at the Contp was being refurbished. We just weren't enamoured with the place. Didn't hate it and loved the location to the MK!! But of course we walked around the BCV and the Boardwalk area and loved it. We have stayed at the BWV and like it, but the Stormalong Bay pool is really amazing (and part of that was being refurbished). I just know that we would want to stay at BCV during the summer and BLT during the winter. So which is harder to get???

By the way, our guide did have BCV points for us to buy for 106 per point. The only Incentive they could give is no closing costs, but he did say that he expects the extension and that when that does occur they will give us a discount on it because we bought the BCV through DVC directly. Not sure if this was sales pitch, but it makes it a little more interesting.

 

[CarolA]

Thanks Deb and Carol. I have seen that you both have said that before abou the Maintenance fees. Our guide explained to us that the footprint of BLT is very small as far as land and therefore the largest portion of the maintenance fees, which is land tax will be lower than the other resorts. That part makes sense. He also stated that since BLT essentially took over the part of the Contp that was originally the north Tower, that the Contp basically is benefitting from the BLT being there. He said it didnt' make sense to them either that the Imagineers said the Maintenance on this building was going to be less, but he also didn't believe the fees will increase any more than the perecentage all the others will increase on a yearly basis.

Of course, we won't know until it happens.

That being said there are the other factors such as 15 less years and the free room in the summer with the extra SSR points. We were going anyways, so if I buy BCV I will loose that, pay more in maintenance and only pay about 400 less in initial investment. The money part makes more sense to buy BLT, but the emotional side says we like BCV more!

UGH!!

Got to love guides. Property taxes are based on the TOTAL value of the property not just the LAND the building sits on. So if you build a $500,000 on a tiny lot you don't get tax just on the tiny lot, but on the lot plus the building. In this case Disney has built a BIG, fancy building on a tiny lot. I don't think the Property Tax people are going to value that building as if it was a three story building at OKW! So if they are banking on low property tax assessments WATCH OUT!

 

[logan115]

Thank Chris, I know this is a hard decision for some. I wish I was one that just jumped in without looking! We actually made a trip this weekend to look at all the resorts. We walked 11 resorts and learned some new things. The most interesting was that my DH and I actually liked AKV - or at least Jambo. We thought the pool area was awesome and loved the restaurants. We could have bought there last year, but I didn't like dark. I was surprised that I did like it this time. Also, DH said he didn't ever think he would really like VWL, but we walked around there and decided we definitely would like it.

Our main reason for going was to see if the BLT would be a major turn off. Well it wasn't a major turn off, the rooms are nice. The Contemp. is under refurbish and man does that building need some updating on the outside. The fourth floor with the new Cafe and shopping is very pretty, but the walkway out to the bridge, really needs some work. I felt like I was walking out to the maintenance area with all the old heaters and brown doors everywhere. I was dissappointed with the "old" feeling at the Contmp. Of course the BLT wasn't completed yet either so we saw lots of construction, plus the pool at the Contp was being refurbished. We just weren't enamoured with the place. Didn't hate it and loved the location to the MK!! But of course we walked around the BCV and the Boardwalk area and loved it. We have stayed at the BWV and like it, but the Stormalong Bay pool is really amazing (and part of that was being refurbished). I just know that we would want to stay at BCV during the summer and BLT during the winter. So which is harder to get???

By the way, our guide did have BCV points for us to buy for 106 per point. The only Incentive they could give is no closing costs, but he did say that he expects the extension and that when that does occur they will give us a discount on it because we bought the BCV through DVC directly. Not sure if this was sales pitch, but it makes it a little more interesting.

Ok - now this is getting downright spooky - it's like my likes/dislikes ended up in your post

Although we've only seen pictures, DW doesn't think she'd like the darker rooms at AKV either, however DS is LOVES animals and the new water area at Kidani looks awesome (at least from the lone "artists rendering" picture that I've seen), so I'm not giving up yet on selling AKV to her yet

After a little prodding I got her to go to Doorway to Dreams this weekend, and although we're not big on "contemporary" or modern design, we both loved the BLT models - and the location ain't too shabby either.

I would think that over the next 10-15 years we'll probably go every other year, or 2 out of every 3, and we typically would use around 160-200 pts, maybe we'll have our cake and eat it too by buying 50 BCV and 50 AKV via resale, or 50 BCV and 50 BLT thru an add-on - would just have to pray they don't raise the BLT minimum back to 100 before I would close on the BCV contract leaving me out

The saga continues.......................

Chris

 

[HeatherDew]

Yes, at the time we bought the AKV price was lower ($96/point after getting a discount of $8 off per point) and they were not offering any incentives for purchases at BLT.

In addition to looking at the maintenance fees (which are lower at BLT and a "pro" for that resort), we also looked at point costs (which are higher at BLT and a "con" for that resort). We realized that we could stay a week in Magic Season (which is when we will often travel) at AKV for as little as 97 points, whereas the same week at BLT will cost a minimum of 137 points.

Now, granted, the 97 points is for a Value Studio and we don't anticipate staying in the Value Studios on a regular basis, but if we wanted to conserve points, we know we can get a week stay for less than 100 points...or say, we want to take family and book 2 studios, we can do that for less than 200 points. Whereas at BLT, 2 studios will cost a minimum of 274 points...and that's with parking lot views. If we wanted a MK view, we're looking at 182 points for one studio vs. just 135 for a Savanna view studio at AKV. Even a Concierge Studio at AKV with all the extra perks (daily maid service, concierge lounge w/ food & beverage offerings, etc.) has a lower point cost than MK view...155 vs. 182.

We wouldn't mind using more points for a BLT stay occasionally, but we weren't sure we necessarily wanted to be "locked in" to having to spend that many points every time we book.

I think there are pros and cons with whichever route you choose...you just have to decide what is worth most to you and your family. Good luck with your decision!

 

[alice99]

I feel your pain. Yes, we went through the same decision - making process.

I LOVE the location of Beach Club - to be "home" closest to where I want to end my evenings was important to me. Epcot is where the restaurants are, a stroll on the Boardwalk would be great and movies on the beach are BIG selling points of BCV to me.... but we bought @ BLT.

I didn't care, at all, about the maintenance fees..... but what sold me was the extra 18 years on the contract. That is a very long time.
We have NO intentions of selling our DVC, but, when we decided to buy there I considered the value of the 18 years in case we decide to sell.

It's not an easy decision...... I guess that's why you see people with multiple resort ownerships. Add ons!!

 

[rkwier]

Originally Posted by alice99

I feel your pain. Yes, we went through the same decision - making process.

I LOVE the location of Beach Club - to be "home" closest to where I want to end my evenings was important to me. Epcot is where the restaurants are, a stroll on the Boardwalk would be great and movies on the beach are BIG selling points of BCV to me.... but we bought @ BLT.

I didn't care, at all, about the maintenance fees..... but what sold me was the extra 18 years on the contract. That is a very long time.
We have NO intentions of selling our DVC, but, when we decided to buy there I considered the value of the 18 years in case we decide to sell.

It's not an easy decision...... I guess that's why you see people with multiple resort ownerships. Add ons!!

Wow, this is what we thought exactly! We love BCV but liked the longer contract at BLT. Also thought BLT would be in high demand, so wanted the home resort advantage. If we find that we are having major difficulties getting ressies for BCV, then we may consider an add-on there in the future.

 

[Cmbar]

Yes, at the time we bought the AKV price was lower ($96/point after getting a discount of $8 off per point) and they were not offering any incentives for purchases at BLT.

In addition to looking at the maintenance fees (which are lower at BLT and a "pro" for that resort), we also looked at point costs (which are higher at BLT and a "con" for that resort). We realized that we could stay a week in Magic Season (which is when we will often travel) at AKV for as little as 97 points, whereas the same week at BLT will cost a minimum of 137 points.

Now, granted, the 97 points is for a Value Studio and we don't anticipate staying in the Value Studios on a regular basis, but if we wanted to conserve points, we know we can get a week stay for less than 100 points...or say, we want to take family and book 2 studios, we can do that for less than 200 points. Whereas at BLT, 2 studios will cost a minimum of 274 points...and that's with parking lot views. If we wanted a MK view, we're looking at 182 points for one studio vs. just 135 for a Savanna view studio at AKV. Even a Concierge Studio at AKV with all the extra perks (daily maid service, concierge lounge w/ food & beverage offerings, etc.) has a lower point cost than MK view...155 vs. 182.

We wouldn't mind using more points for a BLT stay occasionally, but we weren't sure we necessarily wanted to be "locked in" to having to spend that many points every time we book.

I think there are pros and cons with whichever route you choose...you just have to decide what is worth most to you and your family. Good luck with your decision!

Well, thanks Heather!! You threw another wrench into my thinking. I am an accountant and I have no clue why I didn't notice how much more it would be just to book a studio between the two resorts. Now I have to look at more information to confuse myself!!


Alice... Same thing here. Eventhough I will be 90 in 2060, my grandchildren will still be able to bring thier kids! So the extra years is a big thing, however, my guide did sound pretty confident they would be extending BCV so we could buy the extension. So that is a possibility.

Thanks everyone for your input - it has helped in a "confuse me more" kinda way!