Convenience vs Cost

[emilymad]

I second renting points and staying in an actual DVC unit. We debated the same thing when we purchased. We ended up going with SSR due to cost but we were considering BWV. We got married at the BW and had lots of great memories there. Ultimately it was the cost and the contract end date that swayed us toward SSR. We do really like SSR so we are also happy to stay there if need be.

Two years after we purchased we finally got around to staying in a studio at BWV. We hated it! We love the Inn side but just hated the Villas. We were so glad we hadn't purchased there. We also tried out BLT thinking we would hate it but ended up loving it. I think there is such a difference between the Disney hotels and DVC that you really need to stay in a DVC room to decide.

 

[disneynutz]

I second renting points and staying in an actual DVC unit. We debated the same thing when we purchased. We ended up going with SSR due to cost but we were considering BWV. We got married at the BW and had lots of great memories there. Ultimately it was the cost and the contract end date that swayed us toward SSR. We do really like SSR so we are also happy to stay there if need be.

Two years after we purchased we finally got around to staying in a studio at BWV. We hated it! We love the Inn side but just hated the Villas. We were so glad we hadn't purchased there. We also tried out BLT thinking we would hate it but ended up loving it. I think there is such a difference between the Disney hotels and DVC that you really need to stay in a DVC room to decide.

Agreed, many of us ended up loving resorts that we thought that we would dislike and really don't care for some of the resorts that we purchased.

Staying in the resorts before buying is the only way to guarantee satisfaction. One way to do this is to buy at SSR and use those points for a few years for stays at other resorts. After deciding what your favorite resort(s) are and which UY provides the free insurance, buy there. You can either keep SSR or sell it.

Bill

 

[lovesdumbo]

Two years after we purchased we finally got around to staying in a studio at BWV. We hated it! We love the Inn side but just hated the Villas. We were so glad we hadn't purchased there. We also tried out BLT thinking we would hate it but ended up loving it. I think there is such a difference between the Disney hotels and DVC that you really need to stay in a DVC room to decide.

I bought BWV resale after staying at BWI as a family a few times and loving it. I had also stayed in a studio twice with a friend. Last summer we stayed in a 1BR on cash at Kidani. We LOVED the layout of that unit. Then we moved to a 2BR unit at BWV on our new points. I did NOT love that unit. I'm sure it didn't help that we had booked BW view but got a not so great view AND we had a water leak in the unit that really put a damper on our experience. I think BWV will work out in the future but I'm not sure I would have bought there after our stay last summer. I bought before the price increase so I think I would make a profit if I decide to sell now.

In Dec I stayed cash in a 1BR at OKW. Like the huge unit but didn't love the bathroom layout or huge resort. I could stay there again but not 1st choice. I also did a split with studio at BLT. I really liked that tiny unit and loved the resort. I was able to book a 1BR at BLT for our family trip this August at 7 months out.

Now I want to add on at BLT not sell BWV.

 

[CdnKayDee]

We bought OKW because it was most points for the dollar. We have never stayed there but we love our points and wish we had bough more so I say points over preference.

 

[hakepb]

I have to 2nd the boats mentioned above. We just go back from 10 days at Fort Wilderness and couldn't have been happier with the boats. It's a nice relaxing trip out on the water. Even when the monorails were down, I believe due to weather but can't be sure, the response when leaving the park and asking about if the boats were running, "Yes sir. You can always count on the Navy." It still makes me smile, I don't know why.

The Friendship boats (BWV and BCV) stop running when there is lightening in the area. (Which means BWV guests walk in the rain or take a bus that stops at all 4 other resorts before BW)

 

[DenLo]

The Friendship boats (BWV and BCV) stop running when there is lightening in the area. (Which means BWV guests walk in the rain or take a bus that stops at all 4 other resorts before BW)

Of course there are no buses from Epcot even when the Friendship boats are not operating. You walk in the rain. Only for DHS are buses offered.

 

[bigtony777]

One advantage to BWV over BCV is the standard room category. I think this is the best value of all DVC rooms. I know AKV will require less points, but the difference is not that great. To take advantage of the standard, you will have to own their. Not owning at BWV will generally get you a garden view room.