Are newer DVC resorts better?

[FLYNZ4]

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.

I totally agree with Diane.

We have stayed for many years at deluxe resorts at WDW (ex: Poly, Cont, Y&BC, etc). Several years ago, we started taking most of our non-Disney vacations in condos... and on a trip to WDW in 2003, we decided to move off property so that we could affordably have a condo. We hated being off property, and that was the turning point for us to buy into DVC.

Like Diane stated... we did not buy into DVC to get a hotel room.

/Jim

 

[JimMIA]

One other thing I'd mention is something Dr. Tomorrow used to always advise newbies -- remember that DVC is a long-term proposition.

Your life will change radically over the length of your ownership, and what is important to you now will also change over time. Just in the few years I've been on these boards, I've seen a number of our members completely change which resorts they liked best, and even sell contracts at one resort to buy their newest love.

 

[DebbieB]

The OKW studios usually don't have the best views because they are tucked into the ends of the buildings. 1 bedrooms and larger usually have better views (depending on the building).

I love BWV because of the quick walk to Epcot and the spectacular lake/boardwalk view. I always book at 11 months to get it. In fact, I called earlier today for May 2 to 8 next year.

 

[lazydazy8]

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.

What building does that put you in? I've been working on figuring out a room request and am curious where you are!

Thanks!!

 

[drusba]

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?

Back to the original question (for which having a balcony has been resolved). The resorts have their similarities and differences (and more of the latter) and you really cannot say newer is better than older. OKW has (and probably always will have ) the largest 1 and 2BRs. Each has its own theme. AKV (Jambo at this time) a new resort has the savanna; however, I think many will agree with me that AKV Jambo has the worst closet/drawer space of all the resorts and the dimmest lighting both in the rooms and the resort (and I own there and otherwise like the place). Morever, Jambo does not have separate showers from the tub in the 1BRs. Kidani will be significantly different, including that it will have 2 bathrooms in the 1BR. In other words, don't assume newer means better and you need to evaluate each on its own account. One advantage the newer resorts have is that they are for sale from Disney with a discounted price and have end dates in the 2050s (OKW new sales will also have that because of the extension)

 

[jarestel]

One other thing I'd mention is something Dr. Tomorrow used to always advise newbies -- remember that DVC is a long-term proposition.

Extremely wise words of advice from DrT. What seems perfect today could be found lacking tomorrow.

OT: Whatever happened to our sage and witty friend anyway? Has he abandoned DVC or simply the DIS boards?

 

[JimMIA]

Extremely wise words of advice from DrT. What seems perfect today could be found lacking tomorrow.

OT: Whatever happened to our sage and witty friend anyway? Has he abandoned DVC or simply the DIS boards?

I don't know, but I do miss his wisdom. He could always say what needed to be said in very few words, and I made a point of reading his posts because I learned a lot from them.

 

[jarestel]

I don't know, but I do miss his wisdom. He could always say what needed to be said in very few words, and I made a point of reading his posts because I learned a lot from them.

And usually said it with a smile as well. I agree totally!

 

[Sully]

If you are staying in studios, generally the newer resorts have smaller rooms. AKV rooms may be the exception. OKW has the largest rooms, but the studios have 2 beds in them. If it is just the 2 of you, that does not leave a place to sit in the room that is comfortable. SSR may have a smaller room, but the sofa is great to sit on. Take it from someone who knows because we spend the month of Feb. either at SSR, OKW, or split the stay between the two.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What building does that put you in? I've been working on figuring out a room request and am curious where you are!

Thanks!!

Bldg 46.

 

[Buckalew11]

I've stayed at OKW, BWV, and BCV and they were all equally nice IMO. Loved each in thier own way and for common reasons. I'm telling you, there isn;t a bad place in the bunch!!

 

[Cruelladeville]

If you stay in a one bedroom villa, OKW's balconies are the largest on-property! They are about 8x10, and have a ceiling fan. It also should be noted that OKW is the only property with an actual dining room and laundry room, and their grande villas have FOUR bathrooms!! This is in addition to the extra space in all the other rooms, and their plantings are mature, too, which gives the resort the "paradise" feeling, which, IMHO, is still lacking at the newer resorts. I bought at BW and BC, but OKW can't be beat! The older resorts are kept up-to-date, and unlike many other brand resorts, DVC does not charge a special fee to up-date. That's built-in to our dues. (one of my Marriott's charged a $400 assessment to up-date!!)