Choosing Your Resort

[hoopsrob]

Newbie needs advice.

I'm in a quandry. Just got the sales pitch on DCL for SSR.
I haven't been to ANY of the properties in years and never stayed there though I know the locations generally.
We'll always need 2 bdrm (3 kids)---

So, should I opt resort other than SSR for convenience of location?
Or SSR for length of contract?
Purchase through Disney or resale?

Advice appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jekjones1558]

Welcome the the DIS!
If you do some poking around on this site, you will find that the standard answer is "Buy where you want to stay." That means that you will be able to book your home resort at 11 months ahead. I would find it hard to choose a resort without visiting, but many have purchased sight unseen. VWL owners tend to like the decor and the boat ride to MK. BCV and BWV owners tend to like the proximity to Epcot and MGM. OKW owners tend to like the peaceful atmosphere, lower points per room and the larger room sizes. SSR owners like the DD location and the extra 12 years on the contract.
Buying direct from Disney is fastest. You can sometimes get better deals from resales if you are willing to wait a little longer to complete the process. (Check out the "DVC Resales link at the top of this page.) We have purchased both ways and been very happy.
Good luck with your research and decision. Once you visit WDW and stay in a DVC 2 bedroom, you will never look back.

 

[JimMIA]

Here's a thread we started more than a year ago to help people with questions such as yours. The prices and promotions cited are obviously now changed, but the basic info is still valid and you'll see a wide range of opinions.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=778634

The answer to all of your questions is the standard MBA answer: "It depends."

Good luck and welcome to the DIS!

 

[tjkraz]

I haven't been to ANY of the properties in years and never stayed there...

And why exactly is it you think DVC is a good fit for you?!?!

 

[spiceycat]

pictures
bcv
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=542
bwv
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=543
okw
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=545
VWL (love it - even the dis kepts calling it WLV)
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=546
SSR
http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=547

also if you have time read
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/index.html

the decision is yours to make.

but I would look at resale and compare prices - you want the best deal for you

here are some resales that have DVC at times
www.atimeshare.com
www.dvc-resales.com
www.******************.com
www.thetimesharewarehouse.com
www.reid4florida.com
www.bidshares.com
www.myresortnetwork.com
www.monstertimeshares.com
www.redweek.com

although buying directly through DVC is a heck of lot easier....

 

[hoopsrob]

And why exactly is it you think DVC is a good fit for you?!?!

Great question. We lived in Orlando for a long time and have been to the parks many times...but the kids were too young then. So I'm very familiar with the area but since we were local we didn't need rooms.

When we travel, I really need two bedrooms or two rooms, and the DVC rooms (with the kitchen etc.) will work great for us. We have rented villas from other timeshare resorts in the past and that set-up is the best.

Plan on going back to Orlando to visit the parks and want to stay on site. Also like the HH option as well just for a change in pace.

Have been on DCL twice and definitely want to do that again.

But I'm not sure it's the best fit for us. Just trying to figure that out now. Seems like it's a good value given what we would have to pay just from rack rate. But renting may be another consideration instead of buying. Just trying to put the pieces together.

Thanks for your input.

 

[hoopsrob]

Here's a thread we started more than a year ago to help people with questions such as yours. depends."

Good luck and welcome to the DIS!

Thanks---finally made it through all of this information. It's very helpful!!

 

[Disney Doll]

When we were researching, one of the things my DH sort of realized is that you must use the DVC points at least every other year to make it a worthwhile purchase.

So, if at least every other year, yopu plan on staying in a 2BR in WDW or at HH or VB, or using points toward staying at DCL, it would probably be worthwhile to oyu. If your use of points is going to be less frequent than that, perhaps you might look into other options, such as renting.