choosing home resort

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you, I really appreciate the info! The guy at DVC did not even mention anything about 7 or 11 month window. He literally just said you can book whatever you want , whenever you want. I am very glad I did not sign right then and there cause reading these boards he left out ALOT of information. I appreciate these boards to do the needed research. Im always going to need two studios since I am a family of 6 so it sounds like the only real guarantee would be where I specifically buy. Or I could split my 300 points into 2 150 stays to have availability at both? Does that make sense?

If you split your 300 points into 2 resorts, you have the 11 month booking priority for those 150 points in each resort. You cannot use them together at 1 resort until the 7 month mark.

So, you can bank and borrow to get 300, even 450 points at a single resort at 11 months if you want.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Thank you, I really appreciate the info! The guy at DVC did not even mention anything about 7 or 11 month window. He literally just said you can book whatever you want , whenever you want. I am very glad I did not sign right then and there cause reading these boards he left out ALOT of information. I appreciate these boards to do the needed research. Im always going to need two studios since I am a family of 6 so it sounds like the only real guarantee would be where I specifically buy. Or I could split my 300 points into 2 150 stays to have availability at both? Does that make sense?

Even where you specifically buy isn't always a guarantee. Availability for your desired dates, even within 11 months, cannot be guaranteed.

 

[disneynutz]

I suggest that you continue researching and not be in a hurry to buy. While DVC might save you some money, there is a lot of info that you need to understand to get the most out of your purchase.

Owning where you love to stay will give you the best chance of getting the room category you want when you want it.

Bill

 

[Disn3yVision]

IMHO the Poly Villas have the best Studio setup among the DVC resorts because of size, split baths, and location.

This right here!!! We are in a similar position as you as we have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. We decided to go with PVB and I think we made the right decision and here's why:

I hear a lot of talk of PVB lacking 1 bedroom but the fact is you can get 2 lake view studios at PVB and connect them (something you can't do anywhere else) for basically the same amount of points as a Theme park view 1 bedroom at BLT (20 vs 19 points weekday Adventure season).

If we had to fit into a single studio we can at PVB for the next 10 years or so comfortably, even if there are 5 of us (since we are hoping for a DD soon ). That might not be an option at some of the smaller studios and we would be forced to get a 1 bedroom.

I think the theming at PVB is so much more appealing to kids than that of both VGF and BLT. At the Poly you feel like you are transported to another place, VGF and BLT could be hotels anywhere.

We can't walk to MK from PVB but you are right by TTC which is much more convenient in many more circumstances IMO.

We have Dole Whip, Trader Sams, Tonga Toast, and a Luau at PVB... plus arguably the best view of Wishes and the EWP.

If you didn't have such young children I would suggest otherwise, but like you, our top choices were AKV and PVB and largely because those have the most exotic theming that will really engage the little ones. AKV was awesome but we were concerned about maintenance and distance from other parks. Plus its so big it is much easier to find availability at 7 mos. In the end we decided we wanted to buy direct and not resale and that's what mainly drove us to Poly.

Make no mistake the Poly is definitely expensive but I think it will be worth it in the long term. Having gotten used to staying at moderate resorts we are ok staying in studios and so that works for us. Plus when the kids leave me and DW will be plenty comfy in a studio and PVB has the biggest! Having 2 bathrooms for a family of 4 or 5 is priceless and is a rare find in a studio, as well as this much square footage...

Finally, I think Disney is going to start surprising us with more member perks (such as the free after hours they just announced) that you might miss out on if you buy resale. Not saying it is worth the extra expense (most agree it is not) but part of becoming a member of the DVC is joining a family, and as my wife put it "I would hate to spend all that money only to feel like a second class citizen."

 

[Whitters87]

I will definitely say, after traveling to Disney World multiple times with my teenage siblings I definitely need a door between myself and them. Preferably two. A lot of it is practical: they often aren't able to fall asleep until later and sleep in a bit later and at that age they really need their space. But some of it is purely I need a break from them and they need a break from me.

As a note, I'm 28 and my youngest sister is only 15, so I feel like I've experienced a large range of ages in my travel. I also have an 18 month old and a 3 year old, so I am making a somewhat similar decision as you!

I like one of the suggestions I've seen, which is buying points in a Magic Kingdom resort and an Epcot resort. What I'm ultimately going to purchase fluctuates wildly depending on how much I value money or convenience, but I've pretty much narrowed it down to two options:

• All points at SSR-It's the cheapest out of pocket taking into account dues, price per point and longevity of contract. Financially it makes the most sense. I would then try my luck booking more fun resorts at the 7 month mark. But it also seems to be the least convenient resort to actually stay at. So you pay less but get less.
• Half my points at BCV and half my points at BLT: Both of these resorts are expensive, but the ability to rent out points at a higher rate could potentially offset some of the cost (this is mostly a lie I tell myself to rationalize). Also, BCV expires in 2042 so it's one of the shortest contracts. But both of these resorts are very convenient to some of the parks (BCV is walkable to Hollywood Studios and Epcot and BLT has the monorail to MK). But as someone noted, Magic Kingdom isn't as exciting as kids get older and it's fairly inconvenient to get to other parks.

I have stayed on property at Disney a few times, but never at one of the resorts to be honest. So I'm effectively buying blind, which is terrifying. But I don't see the value in hopping and testing out, since we know that we will be going to Disney frequently, and my husband is fairly high maintenance and requires staying on property with a kitchen and separate rooms. So I've been doing TONS of research on the different resorts. So take everything I've said with a grain of salt: what you read in books (or forums) doesn't always reflect real life!

 

[freediverdude]

I don't think I would purchase a VWL contract right now until we know what is happening with VWL 2. In a couple months they could announce how the new VWL is going to open with new privileges or something, and then you would have just purchased VWL 1 and regret not waiting.

With the Poly, like someone else said, you can request 2 connecting studios and almost always get it, because 99% of the studios connect with another studio there. Then you would have two beds, two pullout beds, two Murphy beds, and 4 bathroom areas (and two kitchenettes!), all for about the same points as a 1 bedroom in some other resorts.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I don't think I would purchase a VWL contract right now until we know what is happening with VWL 2. In a couple months they could announce how the new VWL is going to open with new privileges or something, and then you would have just purchased VWL 1 and regret not waiting.

With the Poly, like someone else said, you can request 2 connecting studios and almost always get it, because 99% of the studios connect with another studio there. Then you would have two beds, two pullout beds, two Murphy beds, and 4 bathroom areas (and two kitchenettes!), all for about the same points as a 1 bedroom in some other resorts.

But no kitchen or W/D. So it comes down to the amenities you value.

 

[constantstar]

We went with Poly direct. It made the most sense for my family. I know the perks (like AP discount, member lounge, etc) aren't guaranteed or forever but they're nice. Plus, we like Poly most out of what's available. Over the term of the contract, the price isn't that much different than resale. Oh, and I already have a member number, double points, and 2 trips booked! If resale, I'd be still waiting for ROFR, etc. When/if we add on, I will probably go resale with an Epcot resort. Then we could have some variety and a better chance for booking in that area.

I hear a lot of talk of PVB lacking 1 bedroom but the fact is you can get 2 lake view studios at PVB and connect them (something you can't do anywhere else) for basically the same amount of points as a Theme park view 1 bedroom at BLT (20 vs 19 points weekday Adventure season).

I agree! I've already thought about taking my parents and renting 2 studios. I'd actually like that better than a larger room.

I have stayed on property at Disney a few times, but never at one of the resorts to be honest. So I'm effectively buying blind, which is terrifying. But I don't see the value in hopping and testing out, since we know that we will be going to Disney frequently, and my husband is fairly high maintenance and requires staying on property with a kitchen and separate rooms. So I've been doing TONS of research on the different resorts. So take everything I've said with a grain of salt: what you read in books (or forums) doesn't always reflect real life!

We bought blind too! I know people say to rent points and try it out but that would just delay everything too much for me

But no kitchen or W/D. So it comes down to the amenities you value.

No kitchen is perfect for me - I don't like to cook on vacation! There is a W/D facility in each building I believe. I've also never done laundry on vacation but we drive down so can pack a ton and we also only stay a week at a time.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

There is a W/D facility in each building I believe.

360 studios at Poly share a single laundry room in Moorea, featuring 4 washers and 8 dryers. So it's likely best you don't want to do laundry.

 

[constantstar]

360 studios at Poly share a single laundry room in Moorea, featuring 4 washers and 8 dryers. So it's likely best you don't want to do laundry.

Well, we're lake view so at least it will be in our building this trip! I always pack way too many clothes so we should be good unless something goes terribly wrong...

 

[suebeelin]

I will definitely say, after traveling to Disney World multiple times with my teenage siblings I definitely need a door between myself and them. Preferably two. A lot of it is practical: they often aren't able to fall asleep until later and sleep in a bit later and at that age they really need their space. But some of it is purely I need a break from them and they need a break from me.

As a note, I'm 28 and my youngest sister is only 15, so I feel like I've experienced a large range of ages in my travel. I also have an 18 month old and a 3 year old, so I am making a somewhat similar decision as you!

I like one of the suggestions I've seen, which is buying points in a Magic Kingdom resort and an Epcot resort. What I'm ultimately going to purchase fluctuates wildly depending on how much I value money or convenience, but I've pretty much narrowed it down to two options:

• All points at SSR-It's the cheapest out of pocket taking into account dues, price per point and longevity of contract. Financially it makes the most sense. I would then try my luck booking more fun resorts at the 7 month mark. But it also seems to be the least convenient resort to actually stay at. So you pay less but get less.
• Half my points at BCV and half my points at BLT: Both of these resorts are expensive, but the ability to rent out points at a higher rate could potentially offset some of the cost (this is mostly a lie I tell myself to rationalize). Also, BCV expires in 2042 so it's one of the shortest contracts. But both of these resorts are very convenient to some of the parks (BCV is walkable to Hollywood Studios and Epcot and BLT has the monorail to MK). But as someone noted, Magic Kingdom isn't as exciting as kids get older and it's fairly inconvenient to get to other parks.

I have stayed on property at Disney a few times, but never at one of the resorts to be honest. So I'm effectively buying blind, which is terrifying. But I don't see the value in hopping and testing out, since we know that we will be going to Disney frequently, and my husband is fairly high maintenance and requires staying on property with a kitchen and separate rooms. So I've been doing TONS of research on the different resorts. So take everything I've said with a grain of salt: what you read in books (or forums) doesn't always reflect real life!

We stayed at bwi once with a really hard baby who barely slept and is now 6 and still sleeps poorly. We decided if we were ever going on vacation we needed a near park resort and a 1bd for the seperate door (sleep !).

So we bought bwv without trying the villas. But we loved the proximity to Epcot and HS.

After our 2nd child was born, and our first was still a horrible sleeper at 3.5, we bought BLT having never stayed there. The walk to MK was a priority for at least a few years on the off chance baby 2 slept as poorly as kid 1 (thankfully not the case).

We stayed at the poly this year. Our 6yr old kept waking up at 5:30 if anyone coughed or moved. It was awful- back to a 1bd we go.

Although this isn't rational, I loathe to switch resorts bc my 11mo booking priority is so nice. I find myself wishing I had SSR just for a 7 no booking. If you're ok with the 7mo shuffle, go with SSR...

Ps you're probably not going to rent. We have 400pts and a 2 and 6yr old. We end up inviting family or friends and charging $6-9pp to cover our costs!!

 

[Minniesgal]

But no kitchen or W/D. So it comes down to the amenities you value.

This! for us the Poly falls at the first hurdle no 1 bedrooms we love having the lounge, kitchen and laundry. We don't cook but we do use the kitchen for snacks and light meals particularly breakfast and it saves us a fortune and a lot of time.

I can't see us ever doing a studio so for us Poly just isn't an option.

 

[Solid Snake]

We went with ALK for a number of reasons. First, it had a low cost-per-point price. Second, the expiration isn't until 2057. Third, well, I LOVE ALK!!! My father took us there not long after it opened and we had a Savannah View room. It was incredible and left a lasting impression. My wife has never stayed there so I am excited for our first stay as DVC members. We close on June 1. This is kind of a dream come true for us. It almost doesn't feel real.

 

[alisonslp]

I'd forgotten about the length of the contract when mentioning BWV, oops! This is a hard decision for me. Maybe I should reconsider VWL even though the term is shorter. I've been back and forth and I'm sure I'll change my mind again tomorrow. My favorite dvc resorts in order are VWL, PVB, BLT, VGF - then it's a tie between BCV, & BWV - AKV is behind them because of location - then the tail end is SSR & OKW. This is all from looking at reviews, photos, and maps. I've never stayed at any of them and I realize doing that would change my opinions. I'm going mostly by theme followed by convenience.

PS - I <3 Corgis! We've had two, Junction (boy red & white) passed in 2010 but Hailey (girl, tricolor) is still with us. She's 10 now.

some points:
Buy so that you can easily book 1 and even 2 bdrms (extended family). I know studios seem doable now, but they get old quick and particularly so if you ever stay in a 1 bdrrm and realize how much more room you get. Our guide told us we should buy enough for 2bdrm with our 3 kids (young at the time). We though he was crazy because before that we almost always stayed together in a 2 queen regular hotel room. But thankfully we listened (thinking we would just vacation a few times a year on those points) b/c once we booked the 1 brm, there was no looking back. And we often book a two bdrm depending on points, how long we are staying, what we are doing on the trip, etc.

Do not discount OKW and SSR. Once your kids are teens, being close to Disney springs is a plus. Walking from SSR or boating from OKW is a breeze and great way to spend the afternoon or evening when the kids just don't want to do the parks anymore. Mine are 15 and 12 and we have already hit the "eh, we can skip the parks this time" phase. Much rather hit a water park or Universal. And when your teens are grown, both OKW and SSR are so nice for adults! Not saying buy in either of these because I don't think we have ever had a problem booking here, even just a few months out so I wouldn't waste my 11 month window on it, but definitely don't discount it for a trip

We were just at Poly and I loved the studios but there is no way I would stay more than a couple days there with 2 tweens/teens unless I got two studios and even then, there just isn't enough "space" to feel like you can relax. If you are all day in the parks, that's one thing but as they get older, this will happen less and less. And since the only other option there is the bungalows, you don't have much choice there. Bungalows are beautiful and definitely give you more space but are over the top in points.