DVC: Where to stay? HELP NEEDED

[Mophia'sMom]

We already booked our stay at POP for 1/3-1/11. Today, my DH's friend offered his DVC points to us at an extremely discounted rate (about $6/pp). We are flexible with our dates so scheduling is not an issue. The problem is which do I chose. I have no idea about any of the DVC resorts b/c we couldn't afford them. There will be 5 of us on this trip; me, DH, DD13, DD2, and my cousin 18. Any advice is appreciated? Pros/cons of each resort would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Well, for right now, the friend you are renting from can only book you at his home resort. So, if he owns BWV, then that is the only place he can book at this time. At the 7 month mark, he can try to change the reservation to any of the DVC resorts. If I were you, I would have him book the home resort right now, then you have plenty of time to research the other resorts before he can book them (beginning of June). Does that make sense?

You can see pictures and read reviews of all the DVC resorts on the wdwinfo.com resorts page.

Good luck!

 

[AllyGirl_79]

I would agree ... right now make the reservation at whatever the home resort is, and then do some research to determine if you want to ask for a change.

In general, both the BCV and the BWV are beautiful resorts with great amenities. If the teenagers coming along like to swim, BCV is worth a look because of the Stormalong Bay pool. Both hotels offer a fabulous location. You can walk or take the boats to Epcot and the Studios, which is a huge improvement over buses. And the Boardwalk area - accessible to both - is great in the evening. If you expect to spend a lot of time at MK, Villas at WL are really, really well themed, and there's a great pool and good transportation options there, too. All have great restaurants, and easy access to other resorts (WL offers a boat to CR and FW) for their dining options.

I'd say AKL villas, OKW, and SSR are a bit out of the way, but if you like the theme or a particular size villa isn't available elsewhere, these are really nice options.

No bad choices with DVC! Just pick the theme or location you like best and have a great trip!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Your dates fall during the Marathon time. You must get a reservation at your friend's home resort now and then at 7 months out see if you can switch to another resort. You'll also need to find out when your friend's points expire so you can schedule your trip before then. From Oct through early Jan, most resorts are probably already booked.

DVC one bedroom villas only sleep four (except for AKV which has one bedrooms that sleep five). Member Services will allow a fifth person on the reservation, but you will have to provide your own towels and bedding for that fifth person. You'll only get four bath towels, two hand towels and four facecloths. As long as your little one is under three, she can sleep in the pack and play.

You'll have one king bed and one queen sleeper sofa in a DVC one bedroom. No rollaways will be provided. Most of the AKV one bedroom villas also have a sleeper chair to sleep the fifth person. You also get five bath towels and five face cloths there. The Value AKV one bedroom does not have the sleeper chair.

 

[Scott_Erin]

I would suggest getting a 2 bedroom. Its worth it with having a 13 & 18. The second bedroom comes with 2 queens beds in them and the 2yr old can sleep in the king. It gives alot more room. As for as which one, My home is SSR. I really like OKW but I love the Tropics though. And as for as points goes I think that OKW is also lower in points and would be cheaper but I could be wrong. So check it out and see for yourself.

 

[canwegosoon]

Since it is January...and I highly doubt you will be swimming(althought it might be remotely possible)-and you are going for a longer period of time...I would pick(BTW $6 is a total gift)
1)OKW-for the additional room(I am hoping you are driving)and should be the cheapest for you.
2)BWV-standard view(for the lower point value-but this might be a longshot with the Marathon)-I like BWV for the location(espically without a car)
3)SSR-I love the rooms the best there and easy to do things at DTD
4)BCV-Love the pool and location
5)AKL-I have never been...but know many who love it
6) WL- transportation is an issue here(unless you have a car) and I personally do not like the soft furnishings-a personal issue with me.

 

[penlanspice]

No contest, go for the DVC resort. At $6 I would snap his hand off.

 

[haleofafamily]

If you can swing it, a 2 bedrm is wonderful. As for which resort to choose, it really depends on personal taste and what amenities are important to you. In my opinion all DVC's have great pools, BCV of course wins. The BCV and BWV are in a great location. OKW has the most square footage and is absolutely peaceful. SSR (my least favorite of the ones we have stayed in) is very well themed. We haven't stay at AKV, but that is on our list to do next. We wanted to wait until it was completely finished.
You should have a great time no matter which you choose. Keep us informed.

 

[Crazy4Disney43611]

I agree with most and BWV/BCV is the place to go...perfect location! I've stayed in 2 BR Villas at BWV, SSR and OKW. Didn't care for OKW and SSR as they were too spread out and BWV is my favorite resort hands down...I love Jellyrolls! No matter where you stay the accomodations will be amazing and the ammenities you'll have are top notch. Just make good use of those discounted points...or give my # to your friends!

 

[abner1776]

$6 a point ?? Wow...we all need friends like that. Depending upon when he bought into DVC, he is barely covering his cost.

Personally, if I were not a DVC owner and someone offered me points at $6, I would graciously accept the offer and book now at his home resort and have a great time regardless of what resort is is. All of the DVC resorts will be better than POP so why worry. Also, since he is offering you such a great deal, why play the ugly winner and piss off your friend. Sort of like if your friend offered you a free brand new Chevy and you respond, " oh, it's wonderful and thank you...but I was really hoping for a BMW."

Enjoy your trip....I can see a future DVC owner in the making....the hook has been set....time to real 'em in !!!!!

 

[Mophia'sMom]

Thanks everyone for the all the help. We are going to book at his home resort, and be happy with the accomodations that receive. The friend is giving us the points for such a great deal b/c he is a wonderful man. He also really wants my family to create happy memories being that my mom just recently unexpectedly passed away. I hope that my asking did not sound like I was ungrateful, but I was not aware of all the details involved in booking the trip.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Didn't sound ungrateful at all to me! It sounds like you have a great friend.

Really, using DVC points is a bit more difficult then other reservations because of the booking windows. I think everyone is suggesting booking the home resort (where owners can book 11 months out) now just so that you can make sure you have a reservation for the dates you choose. I don't think it's a bad idea to look around at the choices and see if something appeals more (owners can book the other resorts at 7 months out). It's just a matter of a phone call to check availability at the other ones when the time comes -- it's not a hassle to switch the reservation if something that suits you better is available and, if everything else is booked, you still have the home resort reservation for your trip.