BVC vs. BLT

[DrMomof3]

So it sounds like I need 125 points at BLT and 125 points at BCV and then I'll be all set for a great vacation every year. And it sounds like an August UY would be ideal for me.
Now I just have to convince DH....and decide which to buy 1st!

Amanda

 

[leane]

The Boardwalk area is fantastic. However, we're a family of 5. That means we need a 2 bedroom at BCV (once the little one turns 3) instead of a 1 bedroom at BLT.
Amanda

I did not read through all of the replies but I thought I mention, in case it hasn't been yet, you can stay in a 1 BR at any of the resorts with a family of 5. You would have to supply your own bedding (blow up mattress and sheets) though. But if you do become a member you may also consider an owners lockers which then would be storage for the blow up...

It can be a bit cramped but possible.
Given BLT is sold out often, if you would want to be there I say stick with the obvious, commonly given advice, buy where you would want to stay. 7 mo can be hard at BLT. But then again, so can BW and BC for 2 BRs during some periods... For sure over the holidays. Dec is the toughest month to book outside of your home resort because it is the most ideal time to go for DVC, low points, good weather and beautiful decorations...

No help here with the GV's ... sorry

But I can tell you add-on-itis is VERY REAL AND VERY DANGEROUS LOL
We purchased 180 pts at BLT Nov 18, 2009 - wanted enough for a 2br if we took DM (we have 2 dds 7 and 8) we can do a 2 br for 10 days banking and borrowing. They had a darn xmas special and ended up adding 200 AKV points Dec, 2009 I didn't even have my membership card yet and I got add-on-itis LOL

Having stayed in a 2 br at AKV it was EXCELLENT the 3 full baths were superb. DM had her on little "in-law suite" and we were able to put the kids with her so the living room could be utilized for late night TV without being stuck in the master bedroom. The layout is the same at BLT with the extra baths. I know it will be a necessity when the girls are teenagers. AKV is remote but my kids LOVED the savanah view. I know they will continue to into their teen years as well. We choose the two newest resorts because of the 2060 expiration date.

 

[DrMomof3]

I did not read through all of the replies but I thought I mention, in case it hasn't been yet, you can stay in a 1 BR at any of the resorts with a family of 5. You would have to supply your own bedding (blow up mattress and sheets) though. But if you do become a member you may also consider an owners lockers which then would be storage for the blow up...

It can be a bit cramped but possible.
Given BLT is sold out often, if you would want to be there I say stick with the obvious, commonly given advice, buy where you would want to stay. 7 mo can be hard at BLT. But then again, so can BW and BC for 2 BRs during some periods... For sure over the holidays. Dec is the toughest month to book outside of your home resort because it is the most ideal time to go for DVC, low points, good weather and beautiful decorations...

No help here with the GV's ... sorry

But I can tell you add-on-itis is VERY REAL AND VERY DANGEROUS LOL
We purchased 180 pts at BLT Nov 18, 2009 - wanted enough for a 2br if we took DM (we have 2 dds 7 and 8) we can do a 2 br for 10 days banking and borrowing. They had a darn xmas special and ended up adding 200 AKV points Dec, 2009 I didn't even have my membership card yet and I got add-on-itis LOL

Having stayed in a 2 br at AKV it was EXCELLENT the 3 full baths were superb. DM had her on little "in-law suite" and we were able to put the kids with her so the living room could be utilized for late night TV without being stuck in the master bedroom. The layout is the same at BLT with the extra baths. I know it will be a necessity when the girls are teenagers. AKV is remote but my kids LOVED the savanah view. I know they will continue to into their teen years as well. We choose the two newest resorts because of the 2060 expiration date.

Thanks for your insight! I didn't realize we could squeeze into a one bedroom. For some reason I thought the limit for 4 in a one bedroom (maybe since if you're paying cash the limit is 4?). For the time being we have little travel beds that my kids love so that's not a big deal. Until we give in to add-on-itis and add enough points to stay regularly in a 2 bedroom!

Amanda

 

[leane]

So it sounds like I need 125 points at BLT and 125 points at BCV and then I'll be all set for a great vacation every year. And it sounds like an August UY would be ideal for me.
Now I just have to convince DH....and decide which to buy 1st!

Amanda

Another suggestion -- right now they have nice incentives for BLT because it is still new. You can get some nice BCV contracts on the resale market. Not as many for BLT. You could do a 100 pt contract at BLT - get a free 3 night cruise- add on 25 points on a direct purchase from DVC. That would make it easy for resale (the smaller point contracts seem to sell ALOT quicker - not that I EVER plan to sell)

 

[leane]

Thanks for your insight! I didn't realize we could squeeze into a one bedroom. For some reason I thought the limit for 4 in a one bedroom (maybe since if you're paying cash the limit is 4?). For the time being we have little travel beds that my kids love so that's not a big deal. Until we give in to add-on-itis and add enough points to stay regularly in a 2 bedroom!

Amanda

Yep, your right. Cash reservations you can only have 4 ONLY if staying on points (possibly even booking cash through DVC, I am not positive but I am positive on the points reservations) can you have 5 in a 1 bedroom. There has been speculation this is because the 1 bedrooms at AKV/BLT allow the 5.

And all DVC resorts have a pack in play in the closet for the little ones so for the time being you would be ok with that, I think I recall you have tiny ones

 

[DrMomof3]

Another suggestion -- right now they have nice incentives for BLT because it is still new. You can get some nice BCV contracts on the resale market. Not as many for BLT. You could do a 100 pt contract at BLT - get a free 3 night cruise- add on 25 points on a direct purchase from DVC. That would make it easy for resale (the smaller point contracts seem to sell ALOT quicker - not that I EVER plan to sell)

Another interesting idea. Want to convince my DH???
Although we're fairly certain we will join eventually, I really want to make sure we understand ALL of the ins and outs and make the right choice for us. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about DVC (I have been considering this on and off for 2+ years), but I've learned a lot by reading through the DVC threads over the last few weeks...
And, of course, we want to see how we like our stay at BCV in August!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Yep, your right. Cash reservations you can only have 4 ONLY if staying on points (possibly even booking cash through DVC, I am not positive but I am positive on the points reservations) can you have 5 in a 1 bedroom. There has been speculation this is because the 1 bedrooms at AKV/BLT allow the 5.

And all DVC resorts have a pack in play in the closet for the little ones so for the time being you would be ok with that, I think I recall you have tiny ones

6, 4, and 2 but the 2 year old is anything but tiny! But thankfully he's still in a crib (the good Lord help me when we have to move him to a bed - he's a bad sleeper and a hurricane!).

 

[leane]

Another interesting idea. Want to convince my DH???
Although we're fairly certain we will join eventually, I really want to make sure we understand ALL of the ins and outs and make the right choice for us. I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about DVC (I have been considering this on and off for 2+ years), but I've learned a lot by reading through the DVC threads over the last few weeks...
And, of course, we want to see how we like our stay at BCV in August!

Amanda

If I could be blunt... I didn't enjoy BCV as much as AKV. I think it is because AKV is newer. Don't get me wrong, I thought BCV had great CMs everyone was super friendly and the location was great for Epcot but ... the room was more run down. It will eventually get redone but for example, the stove didnt work the best and the kitchen drawers were broken. Don't let that resort decide for you if your interested in purchasing, but it is a great taste of DVC. JMHO...but I am a resort snob

 

[leane]

I am sorry I am going on and on on your thread I really love my DVC and love talking about it.
When you are there in August they should still have a open house going on at BLT. It is a reception at BLT, you get to see the TOWL and they even give you fast passes for attending I would check that out. They usually offer a little better pricing.

I sent you a PM

There are a few sites with tons of info on DVC.. I say study as hard as you did for your M1/M2 finals I work at a Medical College.
I think if you google search disney vacation club owners you will find a few. It is never bad to read as much as you can about it from various sites.

 

[djp0630]

After staying at both BCV & BLT in the last year, I would say we favor BCV. We just thought the ambience of BCV was awesome! Walking to the boardwalk & to Epcot. Taking a boat to DHS or walking. Plus the beach with movies at night, the pool. Just felt the resort was beautiful and had so much to do!

We really liked BLT, but it was just too modern. I loved walking to MK, but it didn't have the same feel as BCV did for us. With little ones, we spend most of the time at MK, but we just preferred BCV.

Have a fun trip at BCV and try and check out the tour of BLT. Enjoy!

 

[WDWFERN]

My husband and I had a similar discussion last year prior to purchasing DVC as we love both the monorail area and SAB. We went back and forth between BCV and BLT as they each have so many positives to us and such excellent locations (we also prefer not renting a car). In the end, as we have younger children too, I found the longer contract to be very appealing as I loved the idea that our children, when grown, could take thier own children with the membership for so many years (likely through their teens anyway). Or even better, WE could treat our children and grandchildren to wonderful family vacations together. But I absolutely agree to buy where you want to stay first and foremost, as the rest seems to become somewhat secondary. We knew we would really like staying at BLT, and loved our stay there last December, but I think it would be frustrating to spend all the money to own DVC, only to be unable to book a reservation I was truly happy with. Good luck on your decision, and have a great time on your upcoming trip!

 

[DrMomof3]

If I could be blunt... I didn't enjoy BCV as much as AKV. I think it is because AKV is newer. Don't get me wrong, I thought BCV had great CMs everyone was super friendly and the location was great for Epcot but ... the room was more run down. It will eventually get redone but for example, the stove didnt work the best and the kitchen drawers were broken. Don't let that resort decide for you if your interested in purchasing, but it is a great taste of DVC. JMHO...but I am a resort snob

My DH is a snob, too!

I am sorry I am going on and on on your thread I really love my DVC and love talking about it.
When you are there in August they should still have a open house going on at BLT. It is a reception at BLT, you get to see the TOWL and they even give you fast passes for attending I would check that out. They usually offer a little better pricing.

I sent you a PM

There are a few sites with tons of info on DVC.. I say study as hard as you did for your M1/M2 finals I work at a Medical College.
I think if you google search disney vacation club owners you will find a few. It is never bad to read as much as you can about it from various sites.

Thank you! I appreciate your help!!!

After staying at both BCV & BLT in the last year, I would say we favor BCV. We just thought the ambience of BCV was awesome! Walking to the boardwalk & to Epcot. Taking a boat to DHS or walking. Plus the beach with movies at night, the pool. Just felt the resort was beautiful and had so much to do!

We really liked BLT, but it was just too modern. I loved walking to MK, but it didn't have the same feel as BCV did for us. With little ones, we spend most of the time at MK, but we just preferred BCV.

Have a fun trip at BCV and try and check out the tour of BLT. Enjoy!

Thank you! I appreciate hearing your insight.

My husband and I had a similar discussion last year prior to purchasing DVC as we love both the monorail area and SAB. We went back and forth between BCV and BLT as they each have so many positives to us and such excellent locations (we also prefer not renting a car). In the end, as we have younger children too, I found the longer contract to be very appealing as I loved the idea that our children, when grown, could take thier own children with the membership for so many years (likely through their teens anyway). Or even better, WE could treat our children and grandchildren to wonderful family vacations together. But I absolutely agree to buy where you want to stay first and foremost, as the rest seems to become somewhat secondary. We knew we would really like staying at BLT, and loved our stay there last December, but I think it would be frustrating to spend all the money to own DVC, only to be unable to book a reservation I was truly happy with. Good luck on your decision, and have a great time on your upcoming trip!

Good points! Something to think about.

I'm very grateful for all of the comments!

Amanda