Disney Dreaming Has Me Worried Again

[ArRzrbk]

Hello all,

I had just been doing some Disney Dreaming of late (reading boards wishing I was on my way to a nice vacation), and I got myself worried again. We bought in at the BCVs, but the decision was a very tough one. We weren't really sure where we should buy in, as we had never stayed at any of the Disney properties other than Port Orleans.

We haven't even taken our first trip "home" yet, and I am thinking we may have picked the wrong resort. No GV. No lower point option. Smallest one out there, other than maybe VWL. Been looking at photos again, I think I honestly don't like the decor. I'm afraid we are really gona end up being BWV people (actually took the tour there year's ago, tried to get DH to buy in there then, but no luck). Arggg!

Has anyone else out there ended up buying in somewhere and then realized later they should have bought in at another resort? I know the advice is buy where you want to stay the most, but since we never stayed at any of the resorts, we just tried to figure it out, but I am really afraid we figured wrong. And I really did extensive research, made charts, talked it out, put up posts...the whole nine yards.

I know I shouldn't worry until I have at least been "home" and looked around. But please, tell me... If any of you have been in this boat, perhaps even realized you actually did make a resort choice mistake, what did you do? Did you sell and then buy in at the other resort? Did you buy a second contract? Anyway, just looking for someone to help calm my all too easily frazzled nerves. Thanks.

Char

 

[PamOKW]

Char -- you're overthinking the purchase. All the DVC resorts are fabulous and while it's easier to book at your home resort, it is possible to stay at other resorts as well. You are not permanently "locked" into BCV.

The photos of the resorts do not do them justice. You should have heard the uproar when the photos of VWL first appeared. The majority of people on here were moaning about how awful the place looked. Then better photos started coming in and people started staying there and it turned out the place was great. It's possible some people don't care for the look but everyone who also likes WL seems to like the way VWL is decorated. I bet you'll like the decor just fine once you stay there.

Relax and don't worry about it. If after you've stayed there and/or after you've attempted to stay at other resorts, then you can think about selling and repurchasing. However, I don't think you'll find it necessary to take this financial bath once you've actually started using and enjoying your membership.

It's true BCV doesn't have a GV. But, how often do you plan to use one? There are now even more options for GVs since SSR opened up so I'm guessing with planning, waitlist and a possible switch with another member you could get a GV if you needed it for a trip. If every trip you take will be a GV, then you might do an add-on at a resort with the GV option.

 

[DebbieB]

I agree with Pam, you are over thinking. Unless you want to go at a very popular time, you will probably be able to stay at any resort. Make your reservation at 7 months or get on the waitlist. I have a friend who actually sold her OKW points and rebought at BCV because she liked it so much. She has teens who love Stormalong Bay.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by ArRzrbk
I know I shouldn't worry until I have at least been "home" and looked around.

You said it. Don't worry about until you've been there. I think after you visit you will love it.

We are BWV people but purchased a contract there so we could visit SAB from time to time. We enjoy it very much and are very glad we bought the add on.

HBC

 

[ArRzrbk]

Pam,

All very excellent points to keep in mind. Thank you so much (see PM for more appreciative words). Anyway, one quick follow-up question though...

If I did trade with another member at some point, to try and get a BWV GV for example, if we did point transfers, do the points retain their original booking window? Would I be able to get the 11 month advantage at the other resort? And can you transfer banked and borrowed points? I couldn't do a GV on just one year's worth of points - we have 210 (April Use Year).

Thanks again!

Char

 

[ArRzrbk]

And thanks to everyone thus far who responded. Glad to know I'm not the only one up at this hour playing on the boards Yall are making me feel a whole lot better. Disney folks are the best!

Char

 

[lulu71]

Been there, done that. We are complete BWV nuts but own the majority of our points at BCV, and had all of our points at BCV until we added on at BWV. I can't say anything negative about BCV because I've never stayed there. We have made two trips as members, with two on deck, all at BWV. I figure as long as I can get BWV, I'll stay there and if one day down the line I have to stay at BCV, so be it, there are worse things in life.

All that being said, I can totally relate to your situation and wish I could go back and change the home resort decision I made. I've often thought about selling the BCV contracts (yes, I have two) and buying BWV but I'm not willing to take the financial hit at this time. I did stay in a GV on my last trip (was a total fluke as this was the week after Hurricane Frances) which I loved, so maybe I'll revisit this issue later.

Good luck and I enjoy your trips, wherever they may be.

 

[Beca]

ArRzbk....I REALLY wouldn't worry if I were you!!! You own at the resort that sells for the HIGHEST $$$$, and will ALWAYS have a demand!!!

The small size is a WONDERFUL asset...that means that there will always be a fewer number of points on the market, and your resale value will remain high (until we get really close to the end of the contracts).

We originally thought we wanted BCV, and then we changed to BWV (specifically for the standard view option). But, after we bought, I began to "mourn" because I didn't have any points at VWL (why this came into the pic...I am not sure. VWL was not even in the running when I was looking to purchase, although I absolutely LOVE the theming). I think I just started thinking about how if we are going to be going to WDW a lot, that I wanted to be there over Christmas, and if we're going to be there over Christmas...I want to be at VWL!! And, with it being the smallest WDW DVC property, I didn't think my chances of getting a 2bdrm at Christmas were very good unless I owned there. So....right now we are waiting on ROFR for a VWL contract!!!

I also have agonized over my BWV decision!! Half of the time I LOVE the choice I made, and the other half of the time I could kick myself for not buying OKW (also another property that I did not even consider the first time around)!!! I think as DVC "grows" on us, we begin to consider other options besides our first, "gut" one...but, that does not mean that the first "gut" reaction is wrong...I really think it is probably the best decision you could make.

But, here's what I am thinking about the small resorts. IF there ever comes a time where there are SO many people in DVC that you must have the 11 month booking window to stay at certain places...the smaller resorts will be the hardest to get. If this REALLY does happen, I can forsee a time when, in addition to the "rent/trade" board, there is also a "switch home resort" board, where you make a ressie for me at your home resort, and I will do the same at mine, and then the difference in points could be transferred into one person's account. If that is truly coming, then having a smaller resort would be MUCH to your advantage over owning at a larger one. Based on sheer numbers, there would be three BWV people looking to trade for every two BCV, and every one VWL. That should REALLY tip things into your favor. And, if the resorts NEVER become that hard to get into within the 7 month window...then, that whole scenario will be nothing you even need to think about!!!

But, as a BWV owner, I can say this...there will be times that I will want to stay at BCV for SAB (when DD gets a little older), and if I cannot book my stays at the 7 month window...I will be looking for a BCV owner who is interested in trading with me!!

Also, as we just closed in April of this year, and I was trying to get ressies for early Dec, I BARELY got the ressie made before the 7 month window...and, of course the std view was gone. I got on the waitlist...and, lo and behold...it came through!!! I really think you have a good chance of getting a standard view if you waitlist at the 7 month mark. I think MOST times (right now, anyway) you can get into a garden view at BWV easily at the 7 month mark!!

I think when you finally get to visit the resorts, you will LOVE the one you own, and all these fears will be for nothing!! You really do own at a GORGEOUS resort in a great location!!!! And, keep me in mind if you ever want to trade...I would be happy to oblige!!



Beca

 

[rocketriter]

Buyer's Remorse is upsetting, but it usually evaporates after a while. You've got a lovely resort (look at my counter and you'll see how much I agree!) which will be great for visits and great for trades. Don't beat yourself up.

 

[laceemouse]

Char, I think you will love BCV if you give it a chance! We own there and really enjoyed our first trip last March. While the BW area looks fun, I would not buy points there. We are a family of six and when I learned that there are no dedicated 2 bedrooms there, with 2 real beds in the second bedroom, well it is just not for us. If DH and I ever go by ourselves we may check it out though. Owning at a small resort is great, others are trying to get in there. You should have no trouble changing your ressie at 7 months. We are considering an add-on, possibly VWL (also a small resort.) Take care and relax, you did not make a big mistake IMO......Lacee

 

[magicalmcwho]

ROFR for a VWL contract!!!

Beca good luck on getting your VWL contract.
We just passed ROFR on a 270 VWL contract, still waiting on final paperwork.

We went thru the same thing, bought at SSR sight unseen and wanted to go at Christmas time. Waitlisted at 7 months and got whole stay at SSR, but day at a time for this December. So decided to get resale at VWL so i can get Christmas time. And,using your words keep me in mind if you ever want to trade...I would be happy to oblige to you or ArRzbk.

Jim.

 

[InstImpres]

Hi Char -

Don't stress about buying in at the wrong resort. You won't regret BCV it's amazing!!! If you ever need a GV, I'd be happy to swap points with you as I am sure many others would. Call if you want to talk (if you don't still have the number PM me)

Sandy

PS hope all is well with the baby

 

[PamOKW]

Sorry to be late getting back about the member trade idea. I'm not sure myself about the ins and outs of an actual point transfer. I think Dean (and others) can give a more expert opinion on how that works. I was thinking more along the lines of a straight, "I'll book you a week at BWV if you book me a week at BCV type of trade" -- just putting a person's name on a reservation that you make.

I also doubt that it will really come down to you having to use that option.

 

[lenshanem]

Despite BCV getting bad press it really is a lovely resort.

I think BCV is probably one of the hardest to get a ressie at, too.

As mentioned you have excellent trading power.

If you owned at OKW but always wanted BCV you might have a problem, but vice versa you are fine. See?

I think you'll be fine with BWV, too. It is a large resort.

The only resort I worry about is VWL. It is small like BCV and I love the place.

And if you do ever want to sell BCV goes pretty quickly, including one of the higher price per points.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Don't pay attention to the ninnies that resort-bash.

I own OKW, and I think BCV is beautiful. There is definitely no reason to regret owning there!!

 

[Mickmse2002]

Have no fears. We have stayed at BCV several times and absolutley love it. We have 200 points at BCV and 200 at BWV and have only stayed at BWV once and really didn't care for it.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

You may "think" it is the wrong resort for you, but until you stay there, how will you know? I know you will love it! If you have kids, then SAB will make it all worth it! SAB makes up for not having any GV's IMO.

Please, I hope you are not reading the bad posts about BCV and taking them to heart. Lots of people have stayed at BCV without any complaints, and I have said it before, alot of the complainers seem to have walked into the place LOOKING for something to complain about!

Don't worry! You will LOVE BCV!

 

[crisi]

Char,

Why did you choose BCVs? You have pointed out three negatives:

1) No GV . Though it will be possible to trade around points to try and get one. How big a deal is this to you? Do you see yourselves making lots of GV trips? In my mind, the BWV GVs are so expensive point wise I can't ever see our family using them (we own at BWV).

2) No lower point structure. Once again - how big a deal is this to you? Its one of the reasons we are happy with our BWV choice, though I have yet to book a SV room. You will probably have no trouble booking lower point value rooms at OKW or SSR - but if you want the Epcot resort area, you should consider trading. Do keep in mind that even BWV owners aren't guarenteed SV rooms - they are a small percentage of the total and some people here believe they should be booked day by day at eleven months.

3) Don't like the decor. Honestly, I don't either, from the photos. But the BWV decor was better in person than I expected, and perhaps you'll find the BCV decor to be the same. To me, decor is probably the least important feature of a resort, unless I find it intolerably ugly or am planning on spending all my time in the room. The only resort I really like the decor of is VWL. I DO like the photos of the BC public spaces.

On the other hand, with BCVs you have ownership in a small resort - it will be hard to book seven months out, particularly as membership continues to increase. You have access to SAB. You have great access to Epcot (better than the BW), a quieter atmosphere than the BW. Dedicated two bedrooms.

If you don't like the resort (and do wait until you stay there to make up your mind) you can sell and rebuy at BWV resale or continue to try and book BW at seven months. It will be expensive sell and rebuy, so you'll need to figure out if the difference in cost is worth it to you.

 

[ArRzrbk]

Wow! This post generated more responses than I ever dreamed, and you all have really, really made me feel wonderful. Honestly, you've turned this around for me

And as to the last question about why I chose Beach Club, it came down to the following points...

1.) Stormalong Bay - I love to swim, and I have a feeling my two boys are gona love the "waterpark" as much as me. Plus, I have visions of my two brothers going on trips with us, and they both love to swim too.

2.) The fact that the resort is small and very popular - My guide encouraged me to think about the advantage that holds. She said BCV was the most popular resort, and people would always want to get in there, making it easier for me to stay elsewhere.

3.) We love the beach - We spent our honeymoon on the Florida panhandle at the Henderson Park Inn (right on the beach), and we've been back there as often as we could. We thought the theme of the Beach Club would give us a similar feeling.

4.) Best of Both Worlds - We thought the Beach Club Villas would give us the ability to enjoy the Boardwalk activities and establishments and still be able to retire at the end of a day to the more relaxing (or so we believe it will be) Beach Club.

5.) The Epcot resort area - The ability to walk over to Epcot for dinner seems great, and we loved the whole area around the lake.

Anyway, I think those are the main reasons we ended up choosing the Beach Club Villas as our "home." And those actually are pretty good reasons

Oh, and I appreciate all the offers to trade with me someday to help me get a Grand Villa and to get you all into the BCV. I am keeping contact information, and I hope you all keep mine to. Family is very important to me, and I am planning to invite mine often. And if I have my way, we will all be as close as possible - GV style!

Thanks again to every single one of you who responded. These boards are an absolutely wonderful resource and so much fun for me. You all are the best

Char

 

[strawboss]

We bought into BCV Mar of 2003, and still havent' gotten to stay there-we've only stayed at BW. Fine with me, we also bought into SSR March 2004, and just got back from BWV. I never plan far enough ahead to stay at BCV, but I'm ok with it. I'm never in the room anyway! I had buyer's remorse, too, but since I never can get in, what the heck! I think all the rooms are great, and I hear that you can just about always get into OKW, so as long as I can get into a room (we always go off season), I'm fine. Strawboss