Add on to my home resort or buy in at another resort.

[GAVSMOMS]

I have been thinking of buying another contract, either at current or another resort. Currently own at AKL. It seems if you are flexible you can get a room at any of the resorts at 7 months with some exceptions. I want to spend the least amount but want the most benefit. The only reason I like to add to my own resort is that if I want to book a big trip and get value rooms. I'm not sure if there's a benefit to own at OKW OR SSR, I see rooms even at just a couple of months out. What is everyone's thoughts and experiences.

 

[disneynutz]

You get what you pay for and there is a reason that some resorts cost more than others.

What is your favorite resort?

Bill

 

[Millionaire2K]

Yeah what Bill said.

You should buy where to want to stay often. Or at least where you would like to stay.

 

[DizBub]

I'm not sure if there's a benefit to own at OKW OR SSR, I see rooms even at just a couple of months out. What is everyone's thoughts and experiences.

The reason there is availability at SSR and OKW a couple of months out is because they are the biggest resorts. AKV is also in that category but seems more desirable.

The main reason to own at OKW is to secure a Grand Villa. They are the very cheapest in all of DVC.

For SSR it was to get the Treehouses. It used to be that the Treehouses cost the same points as regular 2 bedroom. They have since raised the point requirements for them. While we love SSR and like to stay there to be close to DTD the only real advantage to owning there is lower buy-in costs, longer life on the contract and nearly the lowest MFs.

We bought at BCV after being shut out at 7 months a couple of times. Really like having that 11 month advantage at an Epcot resort for F&W. At the time we were looking there weren't any good contracts on the market at BWV. BWV standard view is the main reason to own there. Awesome value!

 

[Dean]

I have been thinking of buying another contract, either at current or another resort. Currently own at AKL. It seems if you are flexible you can get a room at any of the resorts at 7 months with some exceptions. I want to spend the least amount but want the most benefit. The only reason I like to add to my own resort is that if I want to book a big trip and get value rooms. I'm not sure if there's a benefit to own at OKW OR SSR, I see rooms even at just a couple of months out. What is everyone's thoughts and experiences.

The answer depends on your personal preferences and situation. Adding at a different resort can be great but also can be a hassle. It really depends on how you'd use it and how many points we're talking. For points to use here, there and everywhere or for AKV non value/non concierge, it really won't matter and the cheapest option (usually SSR overall) is likely the best. It's also an opportunity to pick up a different resort that you might want routinely but not get into routinely.

You get what you pay for and there is a reason that some resorts cost more than others.

What is your favorite resort?

Bill

Bill, I agree up to a point. Certainly from a resale standpoint that's true but not necessarily so from a usage standpoint. If the 7 month window were dramatically difficult for everything, I'd agree, but it's not for many options with planning and work. Plus any new high demand option not only adds cost but also isn't any better for anything except that resort. For many they get a FAR better value buying points that are cheaper overall and changing at 7 months subject to availability. Then the risk, work and aggravation have to be factored it and that is variable from member to member.

 

[Dean]

The reason there is availability at SSR and OKW a couple of months out is because they are the biggest resorts. AKV is also in that category but seems more desirable.

Demand is far more of an issue than size related to availability. Size is really a small factor.

 

[DenLo]

As to the OP's question, you need to consider your own travel plans. Will it be more flexible for you to own points all at the same resort or to have home resort advantage at another resort? I agree that buying points at SSR and OKW is not necessary to get the home resort advantage. But do you think it is great idea to have home resort advantage at BWV so you can reserve the Standard view villas there? Or the same could be said for either category at VGF, the month mark will be hard to get when that resort sells out. Do you want to start a tradition of staying at VWL for Christmas? BLT's standard views are very popular and are not easy to get at the 7 month mark, so having it as a home resort might be something you would want. Others have mentioned that they bought BCV points simply because of the home resort advantage.

I think you really need to think where you want to stay in the future and then realize what you like today might not be where you stay tomorrow. And then will having that second home resort matter? But that would be second guessing yourself. This decision could drive you crazy.

We own at AKV and BLT and figure we have opposite ends of WDW covered so that one trip we concentrate on MK and another trip we concentrate on the EPCOT resorts and AKV. Or sometimes we combine MK and EPCOT for a trip and AKV and DHS for another trip. We usually hit all of the parks but repeat visits will be to the parks near by our resort.

Good luck.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Demand is far more of an issue than size related to availability. Size is really a small factor.

Although if every resort has similar averages of owners that purchased it because it was the one "available" when they decided to buy, and for an easy example we say it's 50% that will book in the home resort time, then at a small resort that might leave 50 rooms at the 7 month window while at a large it will leave 350. It is demand driven but still it will be easier at a larger resort simply because of the greater inventory. Of course factors are not completely equal for all resorts - such as SSR having often been considered and bought due to the value over other resorts so not all resorts have the same mix of demand among owners but size does change the odds on opportunity.

 

[Dean]

Although if every resort has similar averages of owners that purchased it because it was the one "available" when they decided to buy, and for an easy example we say it's 50% that will book in the home resort time, then at a small resort that might leave 50 rooms at the 7 month window while at a large it will leave 350. It is demand driven but still it will be easier at a larger resort simply because of the greater inventory. Of course factors are not completely equal for all resorts - such as SSR having often been considered and bought due to the value over other resorts so not all resorts have the same mix of demand among owners but size does change the odds on opportunity.

10% is certainly larger at a 500 villa property than a 50 villa property but I believe that demand is by far the largest factor. BWV and BLT are fairly large properties with low availability.

 

[GAVSMOMS]

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I guess I'm leaning towards getting the most if my points. I don't care where I stay, just be there for as long as my points will allow. AKL has the value rooms.
Any other thoughts are welcome.

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I guess I'm leaning towards getting the most if my points. I don't care where I stay, just be there for as long as my points will allow. AKL has the value rooms.
Any other thoughts are welcome.

For the first several years of DVC ownership we didn't care much where we stayed and we spent all day in the parks.

Now we don't spend much time in the parks and we now have definite favorites and wish that we had not bought at some resorts.

Bill

 

[crisi]

For the first several years of DVC ownership we didn't care much where we stayed and we spent all day in the parks.

Now we don't spend much time in the parks and we now have definite favorites and wish that we had not bought at some resorts.

Bill

At that point its worth asking if you want Disney resorts and Disney timeshares for your vacations. There are nicer resorts (timeshares or not) for less money in nicer places than Orlando. (I'm sure Aulani is fantastic, but again, there are plenty of timeshares in Hawaii - we just finished a week at Hilton Head, fantastic - but no shortage of resorts there either).

We've been Disney every other year people - and this cycle won't see The Mouse for four years. We don't own many DVC points (and have a hard time using the 150 we have). We vacation at least once, maybe twice, every year - but usually use cash. When we go - we spend about five days in the parks, and are in and out quickly - after this many years, we don't need to spend much time in the parks.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category.

I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

 

[judydvc]

At that point its worth asking if you want Disney resorts and Disney timeshares for your vacations. There are nicer resorts (timeshares or not) for less money in nicer places than Orlando. (I'm sure Aulani is fantastic, but again, there are plenty of timeshares in Hawaii - we just finished a week at Hilton Head, fantastic - but no shortage of resorts there either). We've been Disney every other year people - and this cycle won't see The Mouse for four years. We don't own many DVC points (and have a hard time using the 150 we have). We vacation at least once, maybe twice, every year - but usually use cash. When we go - we spend about five days in the parks, and are in and out quickly - after this many years, we don't need to spend much time in the parks.

I have points at VGC and family in Vegas. We often go for the weekend. The kids go to the parks and my sister and I shop, etc. We usually stop at the beach on our way there. Using my points is cheaper than renting a hotel room in LA for the weekend.

 

[DizBub]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category.

I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

Very well said.

 

[DebbieB]

One thing to consider is your age - the original properties expire in 2042.

 

[disneynutz]

At that point its worth asking if you want Disney resorts and Disney timeshares for your vacations. There are nicer resorts (timeshares or not) for less money in nicer places than Orlando. (I'm sure Aulani is fantastic, but again, there are plenty of timeshares in Hawaii - we just finished a week at Hilton Head, fantastic - but no shortage of resorts there either).

We've been Disney every other year people - and this cycle won't see The Mouse for four years. We don't own many DVC points (and have a hard time using the 150 we have). We vacation at least once, maybe twice, every year - but usually use cash. When we go - we spend about five days in the parks, and are in and out quickly - after this many years, we don't need to spend much time in the parks.

We love the theming and amenities. We spend time enjoying the ambiance, Disney's attention to detail, parks if we feel like it, meeting CM's and watching people.

I have spent nights watching Disney decorate the resorts for Christmas, had a great conversation with one of the managers who is responsible for Disney 's landscape irrigation, got to tour VGF during construction, had meals with imaginers, tours, and other fun stuff.

Bill

 

[LSchrow]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category.

I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

well said
it's the upbeat, friendly atmosphere, the safety (i feel totally safe walking solo around the BW at night), the options within walking distance, the bubble
i've traveled throughout the states & europe - nowhere else does almost every person smile & say "hi" as they pass (admittedly, i often initiate the greeting - but, in wdw i get happy responses, elsewhere i usually get weird looks), everything is incredibly clean, there are so many "little touches" (themed decor, resort history, etc), activities, quiet nooks & crannies - the DVC resorts have a feeling of serene elegance that pours into their surroundings .
if we were theme park junkies, we probably wouldn't care for WDW....as "relaxation junkies", staying at a WDW DVC resort fits us just fine

op - if you are fine staying at any DVC resort, go for price (inc maint), & length of contract.
if you prefer a certain resort, buy there

 

[Dean]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category.

I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

It ultimately comes down to how important being on property is for a given person. There are many who find it's not that important and quite a number that prefer staying off property.

 

[judydvc]

Disney World is the #1 vacation destination in the world. There is a reason for that. While some would like to compare the room conditions and decor to that of the Waldorf Astoria, it is the total package that keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to the many resorts on property, the transportation, Magical express, attention to the disabled, continuing expansion of areas like DTD and the parks and entertainment that will keep Disney in that top category. I'm sure I can find rooms at other timeshares that trump DVC, but that is it. Nothing else can compete with the total package Disney gives its customers.

I remember the first time I went to Hawaii I was a little disappointed in my room. My Mom commented that it was because I was expecting the Poly!