dvc tours while on vacation

[connorsmom911]

Ok, I'm doing this on the sly because I don't want my dh to freak! I've looked into buying into DVC many times, we just can't do it right this minute, but I would like to tour the resorts when we are on our vacation this time around because I haven't taken the "official" tour since 1993 when it was just OKW.

We rented points from a DVC member, so we're staying at OKW studio at the end of Oct. Can you take a tour of any other resort besides SSR? Do you have to book a tour or just show up? I have a DVC guide (Gill I think?) that I could call, but all the info is at home and I don't know if I can make the "commitment" to tour without passing it by dh first, and I don't want to waste the guides time. I know I am the perfect candidate for ownership, but dh is not convinced...yet.

We are planning to have one day of downtime to just bum around and I was hoping to sneak a tour in that day. I am interested in SSR, but would really like to see BCV. Even if we can't buy DVC right now, I am definitely planning to rent points again in 2010 for our big family trip and that's where I'd like to stay.

Thanks for the input!

 

[schwenksvillemouse]

I don't know for sure, but I think they only give official tours at SSR. The removed the sales center at the Boardwalk I believe. When we at WDW last summer we went over to check out Wilderness Lodge, and nicely asked if we could see a room and they agreed. A nice gentleman quickly showed us a one bedroom. You might be as luckly at Beach Club, but I'm sure it depends on how busy they are at the time you're there.

 

[LisaS]

The model villa at the BWV was still open as of early May. It's right on the boardwalk. I don't know what hours it is open but you can just walk right in -- no appointment necessary.

As to the other DVC resorts, as schwenksvillemouse stated, if you ask at the front desk, you can sometimes get someone to show you an unoccupied villa if there is one available and someone has time to show it to you. Never hurts to ask! At a minimum, you can walk around the grounds, wander through the common areas, check out the pool area, fitness center, restaurants and shops, etc.

 

[schwenksvillemouse]

I didn't realize the BWV model was still open. I thought they closed the sales center there?

 

[LisaS]

I didn't realize the BWV model was still open. I thought they closed the sales center there?

They just have a 2BR villa open, with a DVC guide hanging out in the kitchen.

 

[Buckalew11]

When we toured SSR we weren't really shown much. We were shown all the types of rooms but he didn't show us much else around the place. If it was me, I'd head over to BCV myself and have a look around, ask to see a room and hope I got lucky. Then, I'd probably head over and see that BWV one that I didn't even know existed and I have been on the boardwalk so many times. Geez....what else at WDW have I been missing. BTW, I know where the bakery is on the boardwalk...I haven;t missed that place!! LOL)

Good luck!!

 

[utahkennedys]

Before we bought DVC we were on a trip and went to OKW for Olivia's for dinner. I asked if I could see a room, and they told me I had to be a DVC member...so, I went to SSR where I knew I didn't want to buy, went w/out a guide, ran through the rooms, then came home and bought at OKW!

 

[seabright1]

I have always enjoyed my stay at OKW but not at Saratoga Springs (5days). I hope you enjoy your stay at OKW.
You can tour the facilities at the other resorts but not at the rooms (unless someone knows a way to do it legit). You can take the bus to the theme parks or to downtown disney and then transfer to a bus that will take you to the resort you wish to visit. If you are driving a car, they will give you a parking pass (i don't know how it goes for renters) and then you can drive to the resorts to visit. If they stop you, just tell them you are going to the gift shops or to the resort restaurants .
If you are interested in a particular resort, ask the DVC if they have points for sale in that resort. A warning..they will try and sell you Saratoga Springs first.
Again..Enjoy your trip.

 

[seabright1]

Before we bought DVC we were on a trip and went to OKW for Olivia's for dinner. I asked if I could see a room, and they told me I had to be a DVC member...so, I went to SSR where I knew I didn't want to buy, went w/out a guide, ran through the rooms, then came home and bought at OKW!

I will not buy SSr too now that I know how it looks like after my stay there.
Did you buy directly from DVC?
Congrats on your purchase!