Liking the resort plays a big part too. I don't care for BWV, so I wouldn't want my 11 month booking window there. I love OKW, so that is where I have my 11 month window.
1. 11-month booking window versus 7-months
2. Maintenance fees are all based on number of points, but all the resorts have a different 'rate', so your annual dues will be different for the same number of points but at different resorts.
3. 2042 end year for all resorts except SSR which is 2054
Thank you. The rate difference was one I didn't think of. The reason I ask is I am thinking of adding on at SSR (already! and since I normally would go at non-peak times the 7 mo. window may not be as big a problem for me. I hope
There is something intangible to be said for pride of ownership in a specific location.
Hypothetically, if Disney offered points without being tied to a specific location, having only 7 mth booking but offered it at a slightly reduced price, those "owners" would have no true pride of ownership as real owners do.
I guess it just feels good to say "I'm an owner at ..."
WMCrickett....I think you have made a very insightful remark there. I agree totally, that there is a pride of home ownership, and we see evidence of that right here on these boards every day with people "defending" their home resorts.
For others...possibly even the majority of owners of DVC (remember, only a small percentage post on the internet)....I guess that they are almost "generic DVC" owners who are happy with whatever place they can get into when they make their reservations.
Interesting thought...probably worth its own thread!
Ok, I'll chime in for the other side. I don't care for the "home resort" concept; don't particularly advertise which DVC resort I own; and would prefer to be a generic DVC-points owner.
To the thread author / original poster:
Important factors to me were booking window, dues rate, length of contract and the simple issue of "availability" (in terms of purchasing points).
I tried for quite a while, both through DVC and various resale channels, to purchase BWV points with a reasonable use year. In the end, our home resort decision was influenced more by the "availability" factor than the home resort reservation advantage.
That said, I was quite happy this morning booking my annual BWV stay using the 7-month window against points carrying a slightly lower fee structure than if owning at that same resort.
OK I don't have my contract in hand but I'm pretty sure being able to stay at other DVC resorts is in there someplace. I know it was certainly used as a selling point. Even though I would not mind if I had to stay at SSR every time we go down, it is fun trying other places..
There are some home resort advantages/amenities that influence some members' buying/staying decisions. For example:
No pool-hopping to Stormalong Bay @ BCV
Dedicated 2Br at some resorts (OKW, VWL and BCV, I think)
BWV Std views require fewer points than some other resorts
Dining and transportation options
etc
etc