Does Home Resort Really Matter?

[NYsHiddenMickey]

Hello all-

First, I would like to thank you all in advance for your help. As you can see, this is my first post. I have been to Disney World 18 times in my 28 years and have passed the DVC Kiosks on more than one occasion w/out giving them much thought. The past few weeks, however, I have been giving the idea some serious consideration. I think I have decided to jon DVC, but my decision now boils down to which resort to buy. I would like to know--from some of you with experience, whether I should buy at say OKW, for the cheaper per point price and lower maintenance, or At BWV, which I would rather stay in if given a choice between the two. It seems to me that the extra money spent making BWV my home resort merely buys me an extra 4 month window-- Have any of you had probelms booking a resort you wanted at the seven month window or with less time until your reservation?

I understand that Christmas/New Years/ and basically all high times will be tough, but If I NEEDED to stay in WDW during those times, I would still have my home resort..

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

It was all started by a mouse

 

[DrTomorrow]

Hah! First one to answer! Buy where you want to stay!

Longer answer. If you would be happy always staying at OKW, or you rarely book before 7 months, then OKW would be fine. And while there have been varying opinions on how important the 11 month window will become, so far, if you call right at 7 months, you'll be OK - except perhaps in the high/holiday seasons.

 

[Sammie]

Hello all-

First, I would like to thank you all in advance for your help. As you can see, this is my first post. I have been to Disney World 18 times in my 28 years and have passed the DVC Kiosks on more than one occasion w/out giving them much thought. The past few weeks, however, I have been giving the idea some serious consideration. I think I have decided to jon DVC, but my decision now boils down to which resort to buy. I would like to know--from some of you with experience, whether I should buy at say OKW, for the cheaper per point price and lower maintenance, or At BWV, which I would rather stay in if given a choice between the two. It seems to me that the extra money spent making BWV my home resort merely buys me an extra 4 month window-- Have any of you had probelms booking a resort you wanted at the seven month window or with less time until your reservation?

I understand that Christmas/New Years/ and basically all high times will be tough, but If I NEEDED to stay in WDW during those times, I would still have my home resort..

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

It was all started by a mouse

Welcome. Would you be unhappy if you were not able to stay anywhere else but your home resort. That is what I would ask myself. If you are truely planning on trying to use your points all the time at 7 months out, eventually you are going to run into problems.

We love our home resort and would be happy to never stay anywhere else. What we have done, is sometimes we want to experience another resort. We don't have any particular one in mind. We just call at 7 months and ask what is available. If anything is, we book it, if not we don't care.

However if you want the BW say at Christmas and during the Food and Wine Fest, etc you will have problems booking at 7 months. You will also have problems booking a Grand Villa. None of us have any idea what affect the increase in membership will have on booking at 7 months as the membership continues to grow.

To me it's little savings and a lot of time to be unhappy at all with my decision.

 

[Cruelladeville]

First of all, the difference in cost between the resorts is only a couple dollars per point, making the cost difference a couple hundred dollars, tops. Why are you worrying about $200 when the contract is going to be $10,000 or more? Maintenance fees are about 40 cents per point different, meaning about $65. Over the next 30 years, this amounts to pennies, so buy where you want to stay. And, yes, the 11 month window is important, especially at BWV, the most popular of the resorts. Frequently they have convention groups there--I stayed once where I was about the only person there not part of the convention group, and I had made ressies 11 months ahead. The pool was empty in mid-July!! If those few pennies really made such a big difference, you would be staying at All Stars rather than DVC. Buy where you want to stay!!

 

[NYsHiddenMickey]

Thanks for your help- for more details, I have it narrowed down to buying 220 points at either OKW or BWV-

At resale prices, on average, OKW sells for about $5 per point less than BWV, and the maintenance is about 60 cents less per point per year--

So, buying the same amount of points (220) at OKW would be $1100.00 cheaper at initial purchase, and $132.00 per year less in maintenance-

some might say that is more than a "little savings", but I think you may be right, and that increased amount would be worth it down the road- I know that the first time I called at the seven month mark and was told that I couldnt get a reservation, I would be angry at myself for not spending the extra for BWV

P.S: whats everyones opinion re: a comparison of OKW and BWV

 

[Cruelladeville]

Well, I have 3 contracts at BWV, but added-on at OKW because I fell in love with it after I stayed there! OKW has larger rooms, cheaper cost per room, and the most wonderful Grand Villas at only 51 pts per night in the summer! It's also very peaceful! I stay at BWV boardwalk view when I want to be in the middle of things, like on the holidays when there are a ton of people at WDW, and I can walk back to my room, and avoid the transportation problems and wait-time.

 

[Granny]

...buy at say OKW, for the cheaper per point price and lower maintenance, or At BWV, which I would rather stay in if given a choice between the two. It seems to me that the extra money spent making BWV my home resort merely buys me an extra 4 month window-- Have any of you had probelms booking a resort you wanted at the seven month window or with less time until your reservation?

Welcome to the DIS Boards!

I am in the camp that thinks you should buy where you want to stay the most. I think this is especially true for BWV more than any other DVC resort because of:

1. Boardwalk View rooms
2. Standard View rooms


DVC split the Preferred View at BWV last year between Boardwalk Views and Water/Garden Views. Since both views are Preferred View, they are the same points. But for some, having a room that looks out over the Boardwalk is an important thing that they really enjoy. Being an owner gives you "first dibs" on Boardwalk Views, which are guaranteed at the time of the reservation.

The Standard View rooms also go very quickly because they use less points per night. These also can be harder to get for non-owners, especially during the more popular times.

As for comparing BWV and OKW, they are very different resorts in almost every respect. It sounds like you are familiar with both, so really yours is the only opinion that matters. Both are great resorts with many plusses each.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[tjkraz]

If your goal is to stay at BWV more often than not, then just throw all of the numbers out the window and buy your points there.

DW and I are of the school of thought that no matter which resort we get, they are all high quality and make for an enjoyable stay. So we didn't put a whole lot of thought into our Home resort. Well, actually we did. But given our limited experience with the individual resorts, we knew we were taking a shot in the dark trying to decide which was "best" for us anyway.

And so far we've always been able to get the resort we wanted.

Regarding OKW vs. BWV, you couldn't have chosen two different resorts to compare! BWV has more of the big hotel feel. Interior hallways...valet parking...multiple restaurants within walking distance.

OKW epitomizes Disney's "Home Away From Home" moniker. The resort features condo-style buildings, each with parking right outside of the unit. The resort is very spread out with dozens of indiviudal buildings housing a small number of guest rooms. There is only one restaurant on the resort grounds. The One Bedroom and Two Bedroom units are OKW are noticably larger than any of the other DVC resorts.

Both resorts have their fans. Good luck deciding which is right for you!

 

[Sammie]

Thanks for your help- for more details, I have it narrowed down to buying 220 points at either OKW or BWV-

At resale prices, on average, OKW sells for about $5 per point less than BWV, and the maintenance is about 60 cents less per point per year--

So, buying the same amount of points (220) at OKW would be $1100.00 cheaper at initial purchase, and $132.00 per year less in maintenance-

some might say that is more than a "little savings", but I think you may be right, and that increased amount would be worth it down the road- I know that the first time I called at the seven month mark and was told that I couldnt get a reservation, I would be angry at myself for not spending the extra for BWV

P.S: whats everyones opinion re: a comparison of OKW and BWV

Ok you were on safe ground asking about money. We all seem to agree on that. But when you start asking us to compare the resorts, well fur has been known to fly.

Just remember nothing said is ever personal and at times this group can get passionate about their favorites.

They are both very wonderful places to stay. But very, very different. OKW rooms are huge, I mean huge. They are the largest villas on the property. Lots of windows, beautiful views from every location. They are built in the style of a traditional resort condo. With outside entrances and stairs. The buildings are in clusters usually around a pool area, bus stop or water way. You have parking literally at your door.

BW is a hotel, with a lobby, and all that entails. Valet, room service, inside hallways. Many really do prefer that setup. I personally don't. I love the ease of taking my groceries straight from my car to my room. I don't want to have to valet, stand out front of a hotel with my bags of groceries, or have a bellman carry it either. I love hotels, the Grand Floridian is my favorite. But when I am in my DVC frame of mind, I don't want a hotel. I want a condo resort. The self parking lot at BW is very removed from the hotel, then I have to go in the lobby, up the elevators, down the hall to my room. I just don't find that enjoyable. Some do.

You can't go wrong with either one, but they are very different.

 

[NYsHiddenMickey]

wow- everyone is very helpful- Thanks-

I think in the end- I will be happy at any disney location

I have stayed at all star sports, carribean beach, coronado springs, contemporary, polynesian, grand floridian, and loved each one-- I am sure that all of the hotels are great-

Again- thanks for all of your help

P.S.: If any of you had anything negative to say about the DVC experience would you actually admit it??-- and if you do- please share

 

[Muushka]

Snip....
P.S.: If any of you had anything negative to say about the DVC experience would you actually admit it??-- and if you do- please share

Well, up until a month or so ago I would have complained that they do not offer DVC members any incentive to visit the parks. But now we have the AP discount so I can't complain about that!

We are not too pleased with the DVC member events that are offered from time to time. They are pretty costly, but we don't have to do it, it is a choice that we make. Many members really like them.

 

[Doctor P]

Buy where you want to stay most.

 

[mikesmom]

We ended up with both! For the Food & Wine Fest, ownership at BWV is pretty much a must for us. We love being able to just stroll into the park where all the action is. When we want a vacation where we can "chill" we love the big rooms and lovely atmosphere at OKW. When I want to chill, I would be upset if I couldn't get OKW. When I take friends to F&W we much prefer BWV. We also bought OKW because we wanted 11 month access to their Grand Villas. Much bigger than at BWV and hard to get without the 11 month advantage.

By the way, two practical issues (aside from money):
- it is much easier to get OKW at 7 months because it is a larger resort, so if you are not an owner, your odds of getting in (unless you want a GV) are better than at the smaller BWV.
- if something causes you to cancel a trip or not use your points, ressies at BWV are much easier to rent out. That's been our experience, anyway.

Also, if we ever had to sell our membership (Heaven forbid!!) I think BWV would be easier to sell and would go at a higher price. JMHO.

 

[WDWLVR]

First off welcome to the DIS. I'll go with the others and say buy where you want to stay the most. We own at Boardwalk because we love it there and I'd be happy staying there every year. We have tried other DVC resorts and will continue to do so when/where it makes sense. I like knowing that when trying to get a popular time I have that 11 month advantage.


Good luck!

 

[NMW]

Welcome to the Dis. I would without a doubt, buy where I wanted to stay most often. I think this is especialy true of the smaller resorts (BCV, BWV, VWL).

 

[MrsG]

Welcome!

Also give thought to what parks you visit most. We love EPCOT so BCV was the place for us. We love to have dinner in the countries. But if Downtown Disney is a place you seem to frequent, the OKV is a better choice.

Again, buy where you want to stay. Needs change over the years. If you are held to high occupancy times (like me, I'm a teacher), you may need that 11th month window.

 

[NYsHiddenMickey]

Thanks everyone-- Based on your responses, I have decided to make an offer on a BWV resale. I hope I get it.

I guess I can throw one more out at you--has anyone had a hard time renting points- The whole renting thing seems very difficult to me

Thanks again

 

[westjones]

I think it is going to get harder and harder to get in at the 7 month window as SSR sells out all the units they are building. The more members the more they will want to get in at other resorts. We own at BCV, and I feel very lucky to have bought when they were selling that resort because I knew NOTHING about what I was doing. I thought it didn't matter where your home resort would be, so I just bought what they were selling at the time (I didn't know about resell as an option--we really should have done more research, but in the end we have been thrilled!).

We love BCV and the easy walk over to Epcot. We have stayed at every DVC resort except for SSR (and we did make it over there to walk around to see what it looked like), and my family talked about it and BCV is the favorite (second is VWL). So we were VERY lucky that we bought into the resort we ended up liking the most.

DJ

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Funny...I like BCV for resort access much better than BWV. With BCV you can park very close to the Villas and EPCOT is just a very quick stroll away.

In any case the 7 month window matters not only for things like Christmas I recently discovered it matters for 3 day weekends.

I have to say BWV and OKW are VERY different resorts...it seems odd that that is what you are tossing up as your choices. And...if 28 is your age or even close to it you might want to think about the 49 years and no closing costs at SSR versus 37 years at any other resort. Rather than necessarily buying where you want to stay being a factor first ask yourself if it matters at all...but without the 7 month window SSR and OKW will be the easiest places to stay.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Definitely buy where you want to reserve most often. Have you ever stayed at BWV or OKW? If not, you might want to try a night in a 1 bedroom at each before you make a final decision. Some who thought they would prefer one actually ended up buying another contract at the other, because they learned they liked it better. That being said, if you prefer the Boardwalk are, then that is where you should buy, because the size of OKW and SSR will make those resorts easier to get into at the 7 month window than either of the Epcot resorts.