DVC Resale - choosing a home resort

[dphie28]

Hi everyone,

From my signature, you might get the idea that we kind of like WDW! We are planning a trip this April and are most likely going to purchase a DVC resale. We are trying to figure out which resort to choose. We have 3 boys (ages 2, 6, 8) and want to pick a resort that will (1) be the most cost-effective and (2) be the best choice for our kids as they get older.

Here is where the confusion lies:
OKW - cheapest $/pt. Shorter contract
SS - DH loves the idea of the treehouse villas. Good deals on resale. Long contract
BWV - love the location - higher $/pt and higher maintenance fees.
WLV - like the closeness to MK.
BCV - most expensive, but love the pool.

Definitely do not want BLT.

Also, what UY would you suggest for a teacher? I was thinking Feb/March...I could have my points in time for an April trip or Summer/Fall which is when we would be travelling most. I would also have time to bank them come Sept if we didn't get a chance to get away.

So, what makes the most sense? When I got up this morning I was thinking that we would buy a listing I saw for 220 pts at OKW with a Feb UY because the price was right!

Thanks for your help!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Another good thing about OKW is the GV's there are very good buys. However, I don't like OKW because only 3 buildings have elevators, and that's important for me. I wish it weren''t so, because although it's spread out, there are some gorgeous views from those villas close to the canal!

You are a family of 5 and thus, unless you stay at BLT or AKV, you will need a 2 bedroom when your littlest gets over 3.

Be aware that BWV doesn't have dedicated 2 bedrooms, so there will always be a door in the studio part of the 2 bedrooms there. The other DVC's all have dedicated 2 bedrooms.

We're DGPs and at some point we added on at BCV because we did want to take our DGC (and of course their parents) to BCV and we definitely wanted the 2 dedicated 2 bedrooms there. SSR has the Grandstand area and the Treehouses in it's favor as well as the lower maintenance fee. Today we sent deposit in on an SSR resale, the treehouses look very attractive to us. (We will have 6 "homes" if this resale comes through for us)

So, I think I would narrow it down to OKW, SSR and BCV.

I like our March UY, and it seems that it will work for you, too!

Bobbi



Bobbi

 

[cvjw]

We just recently bought 3 contracts, BCV, VWL and OKW. We have 2 boys, ages 10 and 13. We bought BCV because that is the boys favorite pool, and the location is excellent (we don't like riding Disney buses unless we have to). We bought VWL because we love the overall feel of that resort, and the location for the MK. We bought those 2 contracts also for the ability to book at 11 months out. We picked up a 200 point OKW contract because it was cheap, was loaded with points, and we can use those points as our "play points" for booking at 7 months out. We have also toyed with the idea of picking up a BWV contract, but it seems to be pretty easy to book on short notice. I booked it for this Sept at one month out, and yesterday for a Thanksgiving trip. Good luck with your decision.

 

[DVC Mike]

We are trying to figure out which resort to choose.

Have you read the Choosing Your Home Resort - What to Consider? thread?

 

[maburke]

Another good thing about OKW is the GV's there are very good buys. ...

You are a family of 5 and thus, unless you stay at BLT or AKV, you will need a 2 bedroom when your littlest gets over 3.

These are key points: As a family of 5, we look to get the best value we can that will hold us. OKW GV's are a great value, but because of that can be nearly impossible to book after the 11-month window. The same can be said for THV's, so maybe SSR is the way to go, if you don't like AKV or BLT. SSR is also a good value now at resale. But you should look closely into the THV's before you make the decision based on that -- for example, they have no king-sized bed.

Having said all that, OKW GV's and SSR THV's are equal to or more points than a 2BR, anyway. So maybe you should just go with the location you like best, knowing that you'll have to get a 2BR.

Good luck!

 

[CarolMN]

In your position, I would go with SSR. Very good values out there via resale right now, longer contracts, easonable dues and the THV. For the times you like to travel, you will need the 11 month window to get one of the THV. It can be so nice to "get away from the hustle and bustle" in the evenings to wind down and with 3 children, having an extra bedroom should not be undervalued, LOL.

Unless you want a GV, OKW should be available at 7 months. I also believe you would have a good shot at BWV (Pool/Garden category) and VWL (Thanksgiving - New Year's is tough there at 7 months and also at BWV). BCV is possible, but more difficult than BWV or VWL.

Good luck!

P.S. I'm the Disney nut / planner in our family. DH - not so much. I find it very helpful to cater to him just a bit. Then I get my way on other stuff. Since your DH likes THV (well, you get it, I'm sure). Good thing my DH does NOT read these boards, LOL.