Does it matter which resort you buy into?

[mickerbaby]

I'm just trying to get an understanding of how DVC works, and for the most part I think I get it. But one question I have is, can you buy into any of the DVC resorts resale (like Vero beach) and still be able to use those points at BWV or where ever? And the only drawback would be that you have to wait until 8 months prior to your arrival to book? Why wouldn't everyone do this (especially those of us looking for small contracts)?
thanks!!

 

[DizneyNutz]

It's 7 months before your last day of your planned trip before you can book at another Resort. Unless you always travel at the least desireable times of the year, often the other resorts may already be booked solid by the time the 7 month window arrives. So if you are travelling during the more desirable times of the year, I wouldn't count on getting a resort other than your home one. It may work out, but don't count on it happening on a regular basis.

 

[disney gadabout]

If you're very flexible, you may be able to get any resort at 7 months...of course best chance is off season. I've seen it get a bit tougher over the years and this year early December was a challange at 7 months.

 

[CarolMN]

Keep in mind that VB has the highest annual dues - be sure you do the math. VB may not be the least expensive resort to own, even if the resale prices are less. Obviously, a lower resale price now probably also means a lower price if/when you decide to sell.

Also, VB is not a good place to stay if you want to visit the WDW parks, LOL - if you really want to visit WDW, consider buying one of the on site resorts. That way, you will have a place to stay on site - even if your first choice is not available at the 7 month mark.

If you cannot plan more than 7 months in advance, then it really doesn't matter where you own.

Best wishes -

 

[twinklebug]

I just toured SSR last week and am fully sold on buying into DVC. That said however, I will not be buying into SSR, it's nice, but didn't speak to me & I have no interest in staying there. At $101 pp - $10 SSR incentive I can do better buying resale at OKW and using those points to book at 7 months out.

More likely I'll wait for my favorite DVC to come on a resale site, I love the idea of booking 11 months out.

 

[Sammie]

If you are able to book and plan vacations 11-8 months in advance, then definitely buy where you will stay the most. At times you might not be able to get what you want at 7 months or less.

If you know you will not be able to book that early them, buy the best bargain and hope for the best.

 

[byoung]

I just toured SSR last week and am fully sold on buying into DVC. That said however, I will not be buying into SSR, it's nice, but didn't speak to me & I have no interest in staying there. At $101 pp - $10 SSR incentive I can do better buying resale at OKW and using those points to book at 7 months out.

More likely I'll wait for my favorite DVC to come on a resale site, I love the idea of booking 11 months out.

Do it you will love OKW.

 

[abner1776]

Keep in mind that most DVC'ers are not last minute WDW travelers...they plan ahead and make their reservations as soon as the days open up on DVC which is 11 months for your home resort. Because of this, many of the holiday weeks fill up quickly. If VB ends up being your home resort, that means you must wait until 7 months out to try booking at the other WDW DVC resorts and you will find a waiting list for many of the holiday weeks.

If you don't mind wait lists or being disappointed in not being able to book certain resorts at certain times of the year, then it makes sense to buy into the cheapest DVC resort available and by cheap I mean not only the initial purchase price but the annual fees as well.

 

[Beca]

In light of some of the recent changes with DVC, I am much more inclined than I used to be to think that DVC will always try to keep "room" in the system for people to use their points within the 7 month window.

I used to be a proponent of "buy where you want to stay". Now, I think I might only suggest that if you are wanting BWV SV rooms. Otherwise, if you wouldn't "die" if you didn't get your first choice...I'd say HHI might be a good bet...cheapest dues, and I think you will usually find rooms at many of the resorts.

 

[bobbiwoz]

In light of some of the recent changes with DVC, I am much more inclined than I used to be to think that DVC will always try to keep "room" in the system for people to use their points within the 7 month window.
...

I strongly believe this as well.

Twice last week I passed DVC desks, once at the VWL and once in the WL lobby, and could hear the guide chatting with prospects. Each time the question that was being addressed was "Can I stay here?"

Bobbi

PS. Personally, my family was staying on a combo of points, at 8 months out, I booked the 2 bedroom and 1 studio, and had to wait until 7 months out to book the other studio.

 

[browniemtb]

"Buy where you want to stay!" Has anybody heard this before.......if your main stay is going to be WDW then buy on of the resorts there........
The up front cost of Vero seem enticing but the dues and resale will offset all that.....look into SSR or OKW they are beautiful resorts from what I hear.
Brownie