Considering buying in June...Can you rate the resorts?

[teachermommy78]

Please feel free to move this post or direct me to a thread if this is redundant!


Hi everyone! We are considering buying a smallish amount of points 100-160 this June. I keep reading everyone's advice to "buy where you want to stay." Good advice! While we are there, we are definitely going to check out the resorts. No buying unseen property here. However, sometimes SEEING isn't enough.

Will you please tell me:
A. Favorite DVC property/properties and why
B. LEAST favorite DVC property/properties and why
C. Anything else you would like to share

I understand that everything posted is simply opinion! It will just give me somewhere to start.

Also, one more question...does anyone know which DVC properties will sleep 5 (2 adults, 3 kids under 8) in a 1 bedroom? I thought I read Animal Kingdom does. As long as it's legal, we are fine with squshing in. Dh and I usually have 2 kids with us in our queen sized bed anyway! We don't want to do anything under the table and sneaky!

 

[Sandisw]

We bought DVC in 2009 because they built BLT. We had been going almost yearly since 1994 but never bought in because we loved that location.

Most of our trips were to CR, and if they weren't, some of them ended up there as we switched mid trip (which was costly since we lost whatever discount we had for those last few days).

Its so easy to get to MK, which is our favorite park, including DH and myself. So, for us, it was a no brainer. We knew that we would also like the Epcot area and have stayed at BCV and BWV.

For us, it is the ease to parks. We don't use the bus system and rent a car. By being able to stay at both locations (split stay), we will now only have to rent a car for a few days of our trip to visit AK and DTD. Other than that, we can walk to parks.

We did also stay at VWL and it was nice, but missed not being able to walk to the parks.

SSR, OKW, and AKV, are not on our lists of resorts to try at this time because of location, but for no other reason than that. I have been through the SSR property and it is beautiful.

As far as 1 bedrooms, OKW, BLT, and many AKV 1 bedrooms have a sleeper chair that will sleep 5. MS has been known to allow 5 in 1 bedrooms at the other WDW resorts, but there is no bedding or towels provided for them so you are on your own there. That, of course, could stop, at any time.

Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Currently, BLT, AKV (non-Value villas) and OKW sleep five in a one bedroom at WDW. VB also sleeps five in a one bedroom but that's about 90-100 miles away.

Read the threads, check out the DVC website: http://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/

and let us know what else you need.

 

[Dean]

Please feel free to move this post or direct me to a thread if this is redundant!


Hi everyone! We are considering buying a smallish amount of points 100-160 this June. I keep reading everyone's advice to "buy where you want to stay." Good advice! While we are there, we are definitely going to check out the resorts. No buying unseen property here. However, sometimes SEEING isn't enough.

Will you please tell me:
A. Favorite DVC property/properties and why
B. LEAST favorite DVC property/properties and why
C. Anything else you would like to share

I understand that everything posted is simply opinion! It will just give me somewhere to start.

Also, one more question...does anyone know which DVC properties will sleep 5 (2 adults, 3 kids under 8) in a 1 bedroom? I thought I read Animal Kingdom does. As long as it's legal, we are fine with squshing in. Dh and I usually have 2 kids with us in our queen sized bed anyway! We don't want to do anything under the table and sneaky!

Only AKV and BLT at WDW sleep 5 officially though DVC will currently allow 5 in all 1 BR (but not 5 plus an infant at the others). In the past I was a "buy where you want to stay" person but I'm now a "buy where you don't mind staying" person. The reason is that the price difference has increased in such a way that I believe the risk of not getting your favorite resort is worth it for the savings for many situations. You don't know where you want to stay and you likely want to stay at most or all resorts over time. For WDW, I beleive that SSR or OKW extended are the best options based on price.

Our favorites are OKW, BWV & AKV, our least favorite is HH due to resort location on the island.

I'd suggest you gather info, visit the resorts, cosider price and dues then see what happens with the resale change. You could always shoot low on your number of points and see how it goes then possibly add on later it if you need more. At that time you would be more knowledgeable and have a lot more experience to make better choices for you and your family.

 

[Mississippian]

I'll share my thoughts:
BLT: Great resort, but not worth the premium currently being charged
BCV: Only worth the premium price if Stormalong Bay is important to you. Be aware that many people don't like SAB.
BWV: Great location, lots of activity, Signature dining and so forth. Standard view rooms are cheapest except for OKW. Prices have come down here.
OKW: Giant units, cheap point chart and cheap points. But you need a car and must drive everywhere from here or be stuck on long bus rides. It makes going out to dinner at night a pain.

BCV and BWV have great dining and entertainment options. The ability to walk to the World Showcase for dinner is a real plus as the restaurants are just 10 to 15 minutes from the hotel. To get to these same restaurants from OKW, SSR or AKV would take at least an hour, and often 1.5 hours.

Finally, don't forget Vero Beach. Points there are now being advertised as low as $40, although annual dues are slightly higher there. You run the risk of being shut out of WDW at the 7-month window, but generally you will find SOMETHING. Are you willing to take that chance to get some really cheap points?

 

[teachermommy78]

From pictures and such, OKW really appeals to me. What else besides distance do people not enjoy? My dh has a bad fear of flying, so we drive the 18 hours from Chicago. Therefore we will always have a car. Any other cons? I have to say, BWV and BCV are my top two (from pictures) but the price just won't work now. Possibly we'll do an add on in the future if I can get a teaching job in a public school. We are planning for every 2 years and would probably buy the least points necessary for a 7-10 day trip with the 5 of us. And it has to be during the summer. Sigh. Being a teacher really limits me. We are willing to stay a few days in a cheap hotel if we can't get 10 days. Like I said, squeezing into a 1 bdrm isn't a problem, so as long as they allow it, we're good.


Thanks everyone for the input!!! Keep it coming!

 

[dianeschlicht]

From pictures and such, OKW really appeals to me. What else besides distance do people not enjoy? My dh has a bad fear of flying, so we drive the 18 hours from Chicago. Therefore we will always have a car. Any other cons? I have to say, BWV and BCV are my top two (from pictures) but the price just won't work now. Possibly we'll do an add on in the future if I can get a teaching job in a public school. We are planning for every 2 years and would probably buy the least points necessary for a 7-10 day trip with the 5 of us. And it has to be during the summer. Sigh. Being a teacher really limits me. We are willing to stay a few days in a cheap hotel if we can't get 10 days. Like I said, squeezing into a 1 bdrm isn't a problem, so as long as they allow it, we're good.


Thanks everyone for the input!!! Keep it coming!

I do NOT think distance is an issue at OKW. We find OKW has the best bus transportation of all the resorts. We don't think of it as far out at all, but part of that is because we spend a lot of time at Epcot. The only thing we find is that we don't care for the Turtle Pond area at OKW. All the other areas are so easily accessible to the rest of the resort though.

 

[Figment2]

I feel it's more up to what you like than us. I love EPCOT so owning at BWV was a no brainer. I've stayed at BLT and though it's nice I really don't spend a lot of time at MK. I love walking back to BW after Illuminations. All the rest are a draw and I like them for different reasons - Old Key West for the spacious rooms & quiet, Saratoga for the proximity to Downtown Disney, AKV (whether it's Jambo house or Kidani) for the animals & our favorite restaurants.

So the question is - what's important to you? Where do you spend most of your time?

Cyn

 

[Deb & Bill]

From pictures and such, OKW really appeals to me. What else besides distance do people not enjoy? ...

I'm with Diane on this. There aren't any problems with "distance" at OKW. It's not a hotel style resort, so you have walking between the buildings. Even at the BWV and BCV, you have to walk to the dining areas, the pool, etc. OKW is more like a community instead of one big block of building.

 

[Mississippian]

I'm with Diane on this. There aren't any problems with "distance" at OKW. It's not a hotel style resort, so you have walking between the buildings. Even at the BWV and BCV, you have to walk to the dining areas, the pool, etc. OKW is more like a community instead of one big block of building.

You really don't have to walk very far at BWV or BCV to get to the dining areas, pool, etc. Maybe a minute or two. At OKW from some units it's a 15-minute walk or you need to take a bus. So really there is no comparison, although OKW has its own things going for it.

 

[Cmbar]

Please feel free to move this post or direct me to a thread if this is redundant!


Hi everyone! We are considering buying a smallish amount of points 100-160 this June. I keep reading everyone's advice to "buy where you want to stay." Good advice! While we are there, we are definitely going to check out the resorts. No buying unseen property here. However, sometimes SEEING isn't enough.

Will you please tell me:
A. Favorite DVC property/properties and why
BLT, Location to MK and Monorail.
B. LEAST favorite DVC property/properties and why.
OKW, too big, too much like a Condo style community of Florida. Not near any park at all.

C. Anything else you would like to share.

Maybe consider not buying DVC at all. Unless you can pay for it in Cash. Be sure you want to buy something that you will have to go to for the next 40+ years. They only guarantee that you will get to use your points at the resort you buy, so please be sure to buy at the resort you will want to frequent for the next 40+ years. And PLEASE consider not believing your guide. They have to sell a product and have to tell you about the perks to make it look good. Come here to the boards to hear the real story. Perks are not guaranteed. It is easy to get caught up in the Disney Obsession, but in reality as your kids get older you will not have the same dedication or love for Disney as you do now.

Also, one more question...does anyone know which DVC properties will sleep 5 (2 adults, 3 kids under 8) in a 1 bedroom? I thought I read Animal Kingdom does. As long as it's legal, we are fine with squshing in. Dh and I usually have 2 kids with us in our queen sized bed anyway! We don't want to do anything under the table and sneaky!

If you are a family of five you must buy AKV or BLT if you want a one bedroom. You may or may not be able to put five in a one bedroom. They used to not let you, the do sometimes now but it is NOT guaranteed unless you own at one of these resorts. Since you are only guaranteed to have points at the resort you own and only "visiting" the other resorts, you may want to only buy at the resort where you can fit in a one bedroom, or simply buy enough points to stay in a two bedroom if you choose another resort. Both BLT and AKV have two bathrooms in the 1 bedroom. So much better for a family of five

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You really don't have to walk very far at BWV or BCV to get to the dining areas, pool, etc. Maybe a minute or two. At OKW from some units it's a 15-minute walk or you need to take a bus. So really there is no comparison, although OKW has its own things going for it.

Really? I don't think so. At BWV, the endless hallways. One set of elevators, then you have to walk out to the Boardwalk, if you can find what you need there....

At BCV, you do have two sets of elevators and not quite as far to the Marketplace, but anywhere else is longer.

From Southpoint, it's only 8 minutes from Bldg 56 to the HH and Olivia's and Goods to Go.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Really? I don't think so. At BWV, the endless hallways. One set of elevators, then you have to walk out to the Boardwalk, if you can find what you need there....

At BCV, you do have two sets of elevators and not quite as far to the Marketplace, but anywhere else is longer.

From Southpoint, it's only 8 minutes from Bldg 56 to the HH and Olivia's and Goods to Go.

I agree with you Deb & Bill. I walk a lot more at AKV than I do at OKW. The one little nuance of staying at OKW is that you don't have to ride the bus forever if you don't choose to. When we stay at Peninsular Road, Hospitality House or Miller's Road, we tend to get off at Peninsular when coming back from the parks. It's usually an easy walk to any of those other places from there. To go out, we usually walk to HH from those areas and get on the bus just before it leaves the resort.

We love staying at South Point, because that is the second bus stop, and also quick home when coming in from the parks. It is, however, a little more of a ride when going to the parks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Hi everyone! We are considering buying a smallish amount of points 100-160 this June. I keep reading everyone's advice to "buy where you want to stay." Good advice! While we are there, we are definitely going to check out the resorts. No buying unseen property here. However, sometimes SEEING isn't enough.

Will you please tell me:
A. Favorite DVC property/properties and why

That part is easy! We like OKW best. I would rank the others in this order:
1. OKW for the space, convenience of the units, theme, Florida feel, and lower point costs. Love the vacation home feel over the hotel feel and the fact that you can park right outside your door. It truly feels like a home away from home.

2. AKV for the fantastic theme, the animals, and great restaurants, not to mention it's the only DVC that has Concierge level.

3. SRR for the proximity to OKW and DTD and parking outside your building.

4. VWL for theme.

5. & 6 BCV and BWV. These two seem a bit interchangeable for me with the exception of the better pool are BCV.

7. BLT because I really don't like the high rise, the theme, the decor, or t he cramped quarters of the units there. Add to that the fact that MK is our least visited park, and there is really no reason for me to ever stay there.

 

[Tiger926]

1. BWV - love the location, and kids/hubby love the pool. Awesome steal for standard view points, and we have always been able to get 7 months out for July. Lack of food options is an issue at times, as is long walks down hallways with sleeping babies!

2. AKV - animals and resort theming is amazing. Fabulous deal with value rooms. Love the closeness to AK. Mara is a great CS place.

3. SSR - great location at Downtown Disney, and you can really get to any park in a very reasonable amount of time at SSR. Beautiful resort, great food and love being able to park outside of our room. Haven't stayed in Treehouses, as we have allergies/asthma, so the living in a forest for 2 weeks might be too much for us - LOL!

4. OKW - huge rooms and great location. Love parking outside of our room. Love Olivia's too.

5. VWL - kids love the pool and beach. Enjoy taking ferry to MK, and love watching the Electric pageant at night. Food choices aren't the greatest though, and resort rooms are looking tired.

6. BCV - kids/hubby love Stormalong Bay. Points are too high in our opinion though. Love the location, and all of the activities over there. Love Cape May Cafe for breakfast, but food choices aren't the greatest, especially at night. Yachtsmen is a good, but it's a Signature and pricey with kids.

7. BLT - will be staying in July. We are staying in a studio for only 2 nights, as points are very pricey here. Decor looks nice, but we'll see when we get there. Love Contemporary, so the location is the best here being a short walk or monorail ride to MK.

8. Vero - like it a lot! Very relaxing!

9. HH - haven't stayed yet.

Best of luck to the OP in his/her decision, Tiger

 

[amylia403]

We are also a family of 5, and like to book 1 bedrooms so that we get more out of our points I've seen a few people have already listed the 1 bedrooms that sleep 5, but of them, we LOVE Animal Kingdom Kidani lodge. It is especially good if you are going to have a "down" day on which you don't go to a theme park. The rooms are really a nice size. There is a really great pool area and splash area (kids love it), a community hall with crafts and activities, plus you have the animals all over the place to look at. If you get a Savannah view you can sit and watch the anilmals right from your room, and the balconys are huge. We don't own at AK mainly because we never book 11 months out. We tend to book a lot closer to our travel dates, so for us the specific resort we own doesnt really make much difference. Bay Lake tower is gorgeous too, ( nice sized rooms) but tends to use a lot more points

 

[iloveokw]

You will find as many different opinions as you have responses. I could tell you what I love about OKW and dislike about many other resorts, but someone else would also disagree with me. We have stayed in all but Kidani. Besides OKW we love Vero and Hilton Head, but wouldn't recommend buying them if you want a onsite stay.

 

[GrumpysFamily]

You going to get lots of different answers based on each person's individual and family needs.
We are a family of 6 so we usually stay in a two bedroom. My children love AKV because of the savannah and animals. My husband and I love BLT and BCV due to their proximity to MK and Epcot. We love being just a short walk away from our room after a long day at the parks. But BLT and AKV also get a high vote because of the extra Bath -- the 2 BR has 3 Baths (1BR has 2 Baths). I personally don't like SSR because it is so spread out and have to take a bus to get across the resort, but that is just my own preference.

Good luck. No matter where you chose to buy, you will love DVC and your new Home at the happiest place on earth!

 

[kerri0616]

We are also considering buying into DVC. Like you, I've been weighing the plusses and minuses at each resort.

Another factor you might want to consider is the length of the contract. OKW has about 30 years left while BLT has 59. The other resorts are in between. I don't plan to be around in 59 years, and I don't want my kids to be stuck with MF after we die. If they want to buy into DVC after our 30 years are up, then that's their choice!

For this reason, we're planning to buy from one of the 2042 resorts.

K

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are also considering buying into DVC. Like you, I've been weighing the plusses and minuses at each resort.

Another factor you might want to consider is the length of the contract. OKW has about 30 years left while BLT has 59. The other resorts are in between. I don't plan to be around in 59 years, and I don't want my kids to be stuck with MF after we die. If they want to buy into DVC after our 30 years are up, then that's their choice!

For this reason, we're planning to buy from one of the 2042 resorts.

K

OKW can be 2042 or 2057 depending on the contract.