Are newer DVC resorts better?

[anonymousegirl]

I'm thinking about DVC and had a question about where to buy points. If my DH and I buy, we'll probably stay in a studio (it's just the two of us), or maybe for a rare splurge, a 1Bed. I see that OKW has the largest studios but no balcony. (which is a big negative for me)

I also wonder if newer resorts are better designed for maximum space/storage/ amenities, and they probably have more up-to-date showers, tvs, etc.

Does any of this matter? Should I buy at a newer resort that has a slightly smaller studio but has a balcony or go with OKW that has more room?

 

[jarestel]

I also wonder if newer resorts are better designed for maximum space/storage/ amenities, and they probably have more up-to-date showers, tvs, etc.

Does any of this matter? Should I buy at a newer resort that has a slightly smaller studio but has a balcony or go with OKW that has more room?

The newer resorts do have up to date appliances and accoutrements. But eventually the older resorts will too, as they are refurbished over time.

Whether it matters or not is an question each member needs to answer for themselves. For example, Some members claim they don't watch tv while on vacation so it doesn't matter if their room has a big clunky analog tube tv in it. Others prefer having the flat screen digital tvs in the newer resorts. And of course a 10 year old resort is probably going to show some age at times while a newer one retains that pristine charm for a few years.

Good luck with your choice!

 

[PrincessNewsie]

I thought OKW had balconies? I stayed in a studio a few years back and while it wasn't a large balcony, I definitely remember sipping screwdrivers during a sunset on a balcony!

 

[anonymousegirl]

I am mistaken about OKW not having balconies. I was looking on the official Disney site and the virtual tour did not show one, and the Unofficial guide also did not show one on the diagrams, so I thought the studios did not have them.

 

[AllanADale]

No matter what, don't make "Balcony" your most important request....

We stayed at OKW last summer by renting points through a DISBoard member. Everything worked fine (we're now DVC members, so we must have liked something!) but we were very dissatisfied with our room selection.

Other than a non-smoking room, our only request was to have a BALCONY, not a porch, because we were disappointed with our first-floor room at BWI on our Honeymoon. So we got one, on the second floor...

in building 50. Which, if you've seen the OKW map, is literally as far away from the main buildings as you can possibly be. And we were right on the end of that building, so our balcony view was of...well, trees and cars passing on Buena Vista Drive.

Don't get me wrong, we had a good time and liked the room in general. But we definitely would have requested a different room had we paid cash or been DVC members at the time. Since we'd rented the points, we resigned ourselves to accepting the room we were assigned.

Be flexible! There's nothing wrong with a patio!

 

[bicker]

Does any of this matter? Should I buy at a newer resort that has a slightly smaller studio but has a balcony or go with OKW that has more room?

For us, the most important characteristic of the resorts is the convenience they offer to the theme parks. Therefore, BWV and BCV, over VWL, over SSR and OKW. AKL would probably fit in with VWL, but because of the Savannah view, is closer to BWV and BCV in our book.

 

[DVC Mike]

I wouldn't agree that the "newer" DVC resorts are better. There are many factors that can be considered when comparing resorts, including:

• ambience/theme of the resort
• ambience/decor of the rooms
• hotel vs condo style
• location
• transportation options
• amenities
• point charts
• views
• leasehold end date
• annual maintenance fees

These are just a few of the factors one would consider.

 

[backyardponder]

DVC Mike has a great list. For you, I'd add balcony size. Then rank the importance like 1-10 for each of the items in the list. If you don't want to get that granular, go High, Medium, and Low in importance. That should help you get to your answer.

You will read over and over on these threads, pick the resort you want to reserve at the 11 month window during busy times at DW.

When we decided 4 months ago, our highest priority was location and we chose BWV due to its closeness to Epcot and the nightly entertainment on the boardwalk.

Good Luck.

 

[BigEeyore]

Just to be sure you know this - where you buy is called your home resort, and the only benefit of where you own is the 11 month booking window you get (along with the proverbial "warm and fuzzies", but I digress). When you buy into DVC, you can stay in any of the DVC's, provided there is availability. OKW is huge, so availability is not as big an issue as it is at some of the other smaller resorts. I agree with the philosophy to "buy where you love it the most", but there are so many other factors in choosing a home resort than what kind of TV is in the room (as DVC Mike pointed out).
Good luck with your decision!

 

[Disney_Villain]

As you indicated that you are likely to stay in a studio . . .

The number of beds in a studio might be of interest to you. OKW's studios have 2 queen size beds, while all other WDW DVC resort studios have only 1 queen size bed (along with a sleeper sofa). It is a matter of preference.

Some prefer the sleeper sofa for a bit more space and the ability to relax on a couch. I prefer the 2 beds. Sleeping on the sleeper sofas (to me) feel like sleeping on ironing boards.

 

[SUSIEQ]

You will read over and over on these threads, pick the resort you want to reserve at the 11 month window during busy times at DW.

When we decided 4 months ago, our highest priority was location and we chose BWV due to its closeness to Epcot and the nightly entertainment on the boardwalk.

Good Luck.

Definately! That's the same reasons we bought at BWV!

 

[Juliet25]

I've stayed in studios at SSR and BCV and I can't say there was much difference in terms of space, amenities, etc. Our SSR room was definitely showing wear 'n tear (I guess it was one of the older buildings).

If space is important, I would go for OKW.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks for all the advice folks. DVC Mike's list is very good. I haven't been here long, but I know enough to know he is the man who'll know not only the answers, but come up with better questions too!

After I posted last night, I took a good look at the properties. I figure I'll want to buy around 220 points, which will allow me 1 one-week trip yearly in a 1-bedroom, or 2 one-week trips in a studio. DH will never want to go more than once, but I can always grab a girlfriend for the second trip.

I have pretty much discounted OKW because of the two beds instead of bed/sofa. To me, that feels too much like a hotel room, and we will never need 2 beds (we're friendly with each other ). Also, the on-site dining is more limited than some other properties, and not a good match for my DH's tastes.

WLV is just not my style, and BWVs are a better fit, but wasn't impressed with the theme or the pool. I do like the layout of the rooms and the variety of restaurants, though. And of course, the proximity to Epcot and the Studios.

So I think that taking into account various things, SSR and BCV are the best fit, especially BCV but of course it is near impossible to find points for BCV, and it is the smallest and most popular DVC.

Of course, DVC Mike's post has got me thinking again. And I haven't even thought about AKV and the Place That Cannot Be Named.

I'll be at the World next month and plan to attend a presentation. DH won't be with me on this trip, but he'll be coming with me on my next trip in January.

 

[JimMIA]

As mentioned above, home resort is only important regarding booking. You can book at 11 months out at your home resort or 7 months out anywhere. Booking in the 11 month window is absolutely essential if you are traveling during DVC peak periods, and you really care where you stay, but we've had excellent results booking at <7 months during non-peak times.

Home resort is obviously only important if you can usually book more than seven months in advance. If you can't, what's the point?

If you are unable to book more than seven months in advance, or you don't really care that much where you stay (our situation), you may want to consider other factors like initial buyin price or maintenance fees. For us, the financial aspects of the purchase were more important than home resort...but every family is different.

For a couple with no kids, BWV or BCV would be a great location because of the proximity to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios, as well as the nightlife at the Boardwalk...if that is what you are looking for.

But it's not a great location for MK or AK or the water parks. If you are bussing, you'll hear more complaints about the buses from the Epcot resorts than any others. And if you're driving, I can get in my car at OKW and be at MK before the valet delivers your car to you at BWV or BCV.

As far as accommodations, I agree with previous comments that it's a matter of preference with studios. For you and DH, you might like the queen/couch combo; for a two-girl trip, you might find the two queen beds at OKW more comfortable.

(I will say, though, that the sleeper couches in every resort I've stayed at are very uncomfortable to sit on. They're nice visually, but they're miserable furniture.)

For one bedrooms, I don't think there is anything to compare with OKW. An OKW one-bedroom has much more space (about 40% more than some resorts), plus a full washer and dryer instead of the stacked pair, and a larger jacuzzi than some other resorts. We stayed a couple of weeks ago in a one-bedroom at SSR, and it was really chopped up, and awkward to get around in.

Having said that, OKW is a big resort and you shouldn't need home resort advantage to get in there except during peak times.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I just checked into OKW this morning and have a canal view room. I could live here forever. None of the newer villas have anything over OKW.

 

[Nigel8600]

I just checked into OKW this morning and have a canal view room. I could live here forever. None of the newer villas have anything over OKW.

Does it have a King sized bed? LOL.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Does it have a King sized bed? LOL.

Ohhh, yeah. And a separate shower, too.

 

[kfalsey]

you travel during the holidays. the smaller resorts if you do not own there, you may not be able to get into at 7 months.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I just checked into OKW this morning and have a canal view room. I could live here forever. None of the newer villas have anything over OKW.

I have to agree with Deb on that one, and since I know which villa she is in, I think it is one of the most spectacular views and locations in all of DVC. Yes, I even include the AKV savanna views and concierge in that!

I do want to give one word of advice. If you always plan to stay in studios, you will miss some of what I feel are the best features of DVC. The 1 bedrooms with king size beds, master bath Jacuzzis, and in room laundry, not to mention the kitchens and living rooms give you a TRUE DVC/timeshare experience. Nothing like having a "home away from home". We didn't upgrad to DVC to stay in a hotel room, and that is how we view the studios. My advice is to get enough points to take that 1 bedroom vacation to WDW.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks everyone for your wisdom and advice