About your home resort...

[jenny2]

What advantage do you have at your home resort? Is it only the 11 month vs. the 7 month booking window? DH and I have tossed the idea of joining DVC around for a while now and were really interested in SSR... now hearing that the price will increase soon I'm wondering whether to get a resale at another resort for a less expensive price or to go with SSR. What's the difference? (Besides the new end date with SSR I mean)

 

[TnRobin]

Yes the main advantage of home resort is the 11 month vs 7 month booking window. Another thing is that maintenance fees are based on your home resort also.

 

[Disney Doll]

The 7 vs. 11 month thing is probably the main advantage, but it also depends on the type of "feel" you like in a resort. DH and I live in New England, so we tend to prefer those with a more "tropical" or "beachy" feel. Not to say that I wouldn't be glad to stay at any DVC resort, but my first choice would always be the one that's the most dofferent form the type of environment I have at home. We are owners at OKW and probably our next favorite is BCV. Note the tropical, beachy theme running through there!!!!!

Location is another consideration for home resort. A location such as BWV/BCV has puts you within walking distance to 2 parks, in addition to having the Boardwalk at your disposal, with all it has to offer. A location like OKW is a tad bit more laid back. A location like VWL is great if you like proximity to the MK, and that resort is very serene. SSR will be great for those folks who like proximity to DD and golf courses.

Unit size can be a consideration for some people. OKW has the largest units sizes, so if space is important to you, keep that in mind. I personally think all the different resorts' rooms are amply sized for a vacation unit, but that is my opinion, and there are some folks here that will go to their death arguing that!!!!

Price can be a consideration. DH and I bought in 1997, when it was the BWV and OKW as the only offerings. We chose OKW because it was somewhat less expensive. In 2001, we had the good firtune to be able to buy another contract. We debated between OKW and BCV, but ultimately decided on an OKW resale. Our thought process was that we knew we loved OKW, we would probably be able to stay at BCV on occasion based on when we travel, so why spend the extra money?

I got a little long-winded here, but the last thing I will say is that we have never, not for one minute, ever regretted our purchase. It is among the best things we've ever done besides getting married and finding our dog. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Chuck S]

Also realize that home resort could be important at some time in the future. Disney may, however unlikely, limit your point usage to your home resort only. Many, many "what ifs" are in the contracts that make being happy with your home resort important, if on the off chance, they would ever exercise any of those restrictions.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I see you have a couple of young kids and live in Mass. I don't usually recommend buying into DVC unless you can really afford it, just make sure you know how much it is all really going to cost. You will probably find yourself going more than once a year. You have the annual dues and taxes which run me $1000 per year. Also keep in mind that your two kids when they are in school you may only be able to go when it is most crowded. On the very positive side is the accomodations at DVC are just about the best around for the money. It is great to get out of the cold winters up there I must say and way beyond, in the future, when you are empyt nesters, this will be a big plus. Trust me, it is the best thing for us snow birds, but that is way off for you. You have been to WDW before so you know how much a trip will cost. Just think and make sure you have the cash and want to spend a lot of time at WDW before you buy.