Explain to me How a DVC Resort disappoints you

[eporter66]

I have been on the forums for a long time, and the one thing that always baffles me is when I read a post stating that they would never stay at one of the DVC resorts (AKV for example because it is to far removed from everything).

I understand when you are buying into DVC that it is ideal to pick the resort you want to stay at the most for your 11 month booking advantage.

Here are some of the common issues I read here :

I hate the decor/theme of a resort?
Maybe because I am a guy, but I cant think of one theme or decor that I hate in DVC. I like some more than others, but I cant see how this could keep me from staying at one of the DVC resorts?

Location - Resort is to far out
Is poor bus transportation the reason for this issue? Too many stops on the bus to and from the resort? We usually rent a car, but have used Disney Transportation. Having the car has spoiled us, but I have found Disney Transportation to be pretty good

Are there really resorts you would not stay at because of these or other reasons? We have stayed at 4 of the resorts, and plan to try them all at least once. Of course we have a favorite or two, but I cant see every being disappointed that we could not a certain resort. We are vacationing in WDW, staying on property, in deluxe accomodations - how does it get any better than that?

I love to call at the 7 month window to see what is available in hopes that we can book a DVC we have not been to. But I just dont get being bummed or not wanting to stay at any one of them.

 

[Sandisw]

We have resorts that we would not stay at because we like to be within walking distance to MK. We probably visit that park almost every day of our trip so it just makes sense to be close.

We did not buy DVC until 2009, when BLT became available, because we loved the location of the CR. We knew that we would just not be happy at the other DVC resorts so we never bought until we had a resort that could provide us with the same perks that the CR did.

So, for us, we would not stay at SSR, OKW, or AKV because they require me to either take a bus to MK or drive to the TTC and go from there. We really prefer not to use the buses and usually rent a car and drive.

We have tried BWV, BCV, and VWL. We liked them all but probably would only stay at BCV if we are going to split our stays with BLT.

 

[GoofItUp]

I completely get what you are saying. While I do have an order of favorites, all of the DVC resorts are on my to-do list. Any of them are good for me!

 

[adminjedi]

Sounds like you have a good attitude

I certainly wouldn't use the term "hate" a DVC resort, but there are certainly those that appeal and those that appeal less.

I have not stayed at VWL, but my DH has and he didn't like all the campfire singing etc. Plus, I think it feels too much like being here in the NW, not so new.

SSR is a nice resort, but we suffered being in the outlaying bldgs and the walk to the main pool, food, drink refill etc was daunting. Even when we stayed closer, it just didn't excite us. DTD isn't a bid deal to us either.

BLT just feels like any regular hotel anywhere to us.

BWV has all the same draw as BCV except we prefer SAB.

We are trying out OKW in January for a couple days. I have a feeling it will seem a lot like SSR to me.

LOVE VGC. Just not at WDW.

Looking forward to Aulani!

 

[quirty30]

We are staying at SSR next month and it will mark the first time I didn't get my first choice. We have stayed at BLT, BCV, BWV & AKV Jambo. I liked each one for different reasons - and even thought BLT is my primary home resort (the one I have the most points at) I think I would get bored if I had to stay their every time we visited.

As far as disappointments go, I had a couple. Stayed at a studio at BWV last fall for a solo birthday trip. I requested a renovated room but didn't get it - I also asked for close to the elevator. I got neither. And the room was pretty worn down. They had no other availability but I met a very nice mgr by the name of TJ, who told me to check the following day & they would move me. And then he sent me birthday cupcakes to the room as a good faith gesture. I ended up having so much fun at F & W Festival, I realized that I was only using the room to sleep so I never bothered to move (but I did take the gnarly bedspread off and slept with only the blanket.)

Then on our visit to AKV Jambo, we had a 1BR CL reserved. My only room request was not to get the HC villa. We got in after 1AM, and we got the HC villa. I really need a bathtub (after a herniated disc ruptured several years ago, I have permanent nerve damage in my left leg and I can't shave my legs in a shower - silly but true. And it's an essential task when I'm at Disney.) They were going to bring us keys to another villa, but after an hour, they determined it hadn't been cleaned. They asked us to sleep in the 1st room and promised to move us by 11 the next day. 11 came and went and I went to talk to the concierge - there was no record whatsoever that we had an issue. But I remembered the name of who I talked to and sure enough, she was the mgr on duty and had forgotten to tell the next shift to take over and handle. They had to move us not once, but twice, before we got a non HC room and it was no longer on club level and a loooong walk. But they compensated us quite generously and let us continue to access the lounge. And we just loved the resort and our savannah view and the pool and zebra domes...you name it.

So I've had disappointing rooms, but I've enjoyed all my stays overall. We've come to love DTD, so I'm sure we'll be happy at SSR next month. We like AKV even tho it's a bit off the beaten path. I liked BWV despite that 1st room, and we returned in the spring to a beautiful renovated 1BR and even learned to get past my fear of the clown! Today, I booked VWL for next spring, so the only WDW resorts left for us to try after that will be OKW & AKV Kidani - and I'm looking forward to trying them both.

 

[twinklebug]

I like all of the DVC properties I've tried to date, but not knowing what to expect can set expectations up to teeter and tumble.

That was the case with our very first DVC visit: OKW. I went in hoping for a hotel feel and was dismayed by the distance we were from the main building and pool. I had no idea what I was booking, but we had a split stay and switched over to BWV at which point I was in heaven. At the time I stated I'd never stay at OKW again, but I think if we were there for an extended stay of 3 weeks or so I'd like it better than some of the other resorts.

 

[hakepb]

One of my adjustments has been the lack of CS options for the whole family(compared to a value food court) so far Jambo has been the best in that regard. But we have adjusted by having more food in our room and/or moving meal time to park time. (Where there are more CS choices)

And no DVC is very good for drink refills. (Unless you only consider noon-6pm at a pool bar station good)

I think many people like a certain vacation routine, and if you cannot adjust, a specific routine may not fit a specific resort very well.

 

[toniosmom]

When I first toured DVC, it was at SSR and I wasn't crazy about the resort theme and it seemed so spread out. I bought into AKV and received developer points that had to be used at SSR. I was a bit disappointed at the time, but was pleasantly surprised how much I loved the resort while we were there -- and the main pool was closed for refurbishment during our stay! That experience gave me the bug to try all of the resorts. Since then, we've only been able to try Kidani (which we loved), but will be experiencing a short BLT stay in December and next April will be at BCV for 9 days.

I can't wait to try all of the resorts eventually.

 

[Tara]

I have found myself disappointed by both of these issues. They weren't major disappointments, but they were still issues for me. Did either spoil my stays? No, not really.

Decor:
I really dislike the decor of AKV. It is dark, too heavily patterned, and "clunky" for lack of a better word. I don't like the heavy look of the furniture at all. And the rooms themselves are poorly lit. The decor does carry the theme through perfectly - it just isn't to my liking.

That said, there are really few WDW resort rooms that are decorated in a way I actually find appealing. Most rely on what I think of as "Aunt Gladys" school of design - a heavy mix of chintz and floral patterns. Because of the patterns and color schemes, some look more dated than others. Yes, I said "dated" - all styles evolve over time and if you pick up Modern Home or Country Living magazine, you'll find styles and themes similar to 10 years ago, but the color palettes will differ greatly, as will the accessories. Most of these resorts are beautiful in the public areas, though - VWL is a great example (buildings and surroundings are gorgeous but the rooms are decorated like a lumberjack's shirt IMO). SSR and BCV fall in this category for me, too, as does OKW even though I've only seen pictures. The only resort rooms I really enjoy from a decor standpoint are BLT, CR, BC and BWI. All others, I just tolerate, though some are more tolerable than others. (BCV more than VWL, for example.)

Location
AKV *does* seem removed to me. Even at SSR, there's the walk, boat or quick drive to DTD. At BLT, I can walk to MK or monorail to other resorts. At BCV I can walk or boat to 2 parks plus walk to 3 other resorts and many restaurants. AKV doesn't have this same proximity benefit, and it is noticeable. Again, it wouldn't take it off my list, but it certainly figures into my decision.

 

[DenLo]

I too cannot imagine anyone really being disappointed in a DVC villa or the resort. However, we have only stayed at BLT (our first DVC stay), so I'm not really qualified to comment on the other resorts. We have stayed at AKL as a cash guest and liked it and I think the design is similar at AKV. Our next DVC stay (in 26 days) is a split stay between BLT and BWV. I'm interested to see the difference in the two villas and the resorts. Personally decor that reminds me of my grandmother's decorating is just not my taste, but it does go with the theme of the resort. The more I think about it though, the decor at the various DVC resorts might be what Walt Disney would have liked, something really similar to what you would have seen in the era the resorts are themed around.

I think the OP is right that each resort we will stay at will have a plus and a minus. And I'm looking forward to trying each resort. But expect that my home resorts will be my favorites. We picked them because we liked them.

 

[dburg30]

I have been on the forums for a long time, and the one thing that always baffles me is when I read a post stating that they would never stay at one of the DVC resorts (AKV for example because it is to far removed from everything).

See I think that's a cop out as it's closer to AK / DHS and probably close to the same distance as epcot as say GF / CR etc. Plus while the monorail is nice, I like a bus better in case of 'issues'. Now, if you want to goto DTD, that trip will SUCK. Same thing when you stay at SSR and want to goto AK, that trip SUCKS. I personally think SSR is too far removed, and too close to the 'real world'

I understand when you are buying into DVC that it is ideal to pick the resort you want to stay at the most for your 11 month booking advantage.

Here are some of the common issues I read here :

I hate the decor/theme of a resort?
Maybe because I am a guy, but I cant think of one theme or decor that I hate in DVC. I like some more than others, but I cant see how this could keep me from staying at one of the DVC resorts?
While it wont keep me from staying, I was shocked that I REALLY disliked BLT rooms. We looked at them, and with the exception of being close to MK and if you got a MK view, rest didnt do anything for me. Fell in love with AKL the moment I saw the mock up for kidani.

Location - Resort is to far out
Is poor bus transportation the reason for this issue? Too many stops on the bus to and from the resort? We usually rent a car, but have used Disney Transportation. Having the car has spoiled us, but I have found Disney Transportation to be pretty good

People either wanting to complain or really arent looking at their watches / phones to see how long they REALLY are waiting for buses. I've had to wait for a bus for 20 minutes once or twice, I mean I saw the bus leaving. 20 minutes seems like FOREVER when you are waiting. Not saying it's perfect but those that say we had to wait 20 minutes everytime for a bus or more, your timing just wasnt on that week, I promise you there was a bus that came before the one you are waiting for now.

Are there really resorts you would not stay at because of these or other reasons? We have stayed at 4 of the resorts, and plan to try them all at least once. Of course we have a favorite or two, but I cant see every being disappointed that we could not a certain resort. We are vacationing in WDW, staying on property, in deluxe accomodations - how does it get any better than that?

I really, really do dislike the DTD resort areas, OKW and SSR especially. But it has nothing to do with theming or anything like that.

I love to call at the 7 month window to see what is available in hopes that we can book a DVC we have not been to. But I just dont get being bummed or not wanting to stay at any one of them.

Yep, we bought where we liked / wanted. I'm sure we'll try some other places, I want to stay at BW/BC/YC area, WL also, probably BLT just because it's there

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I guess we are the opposite of many other DVC owners. We have no interest in staying in all the DVC resorts.

Before owning DVC, we stayed in POR (DL at the time), CB, OKW (when it was called DVC), BWI, CR, Pop and WL.

We enjoyed each of them, but we love Epcot. Being able to walk to it every day made our home resort choice easy: BWV or BCV. We are not big pool people, so we thought BWV was a better value. So far, all of our DVC trips have been at BWV except 2. We stated at AKV club for 2 nights so we could do the sunrise safari and we stayed at GCV.

We have a cash stay this December and will pay cash to stay at BWV, so yeah, we like our home resort. -- Suzanne

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed at AKV twice and didn't find it too far removed. It might take an extra 5 minutes to get to MK or Epcot than from BWV or BCV.

The only room I was ever disappointed in was building 28 at OKW. There was really no view, there were trees in front of the porch. Also, the trees made the room dark.

 

[crisi]

Here is the turnaround, if there is a resort that appeals to you MORE - for whatever reason - the pool, the decor, the location, the fact that you honeymooned in the attached hotel ten years ago....why would you choose to stay somewhere you don't like as much?

Disappointment is a relative thing. I don't think I'd be crushed to end up staying at SSR, but it is at the bottom of my list for resorts to ever stay at. (My biggest complaint about SSR is that its too spread out and the distance from the far units to the theme pool and restaurants is too far.) And since we own a resort that we don't find disappointing and tend to book eleven months out, I don't think we will stay there.

We stayed at BCV last trip. While it was a nice resort and we had a good time, we won't stay there again. The distance between our room and the pool was disappointing. Everytime we tried to get into B&C there was a 45 minute wait - disappointing. We ended up with the coveted Epcot/Road view - and found the road distracting and the small baloncy unusable - disappointing. The Marketplace is a great addition in terms of being able to grab food at BC, but the shopping selection was - disappointing. SAB is a very impressive pool, the kids like BWV pool more. Did any of this ruin our trip, nope. We had a very nice trip and are glad we tried BCV, but I don't think we'll stay there again.

 

[cseca]

I don't think we *hate* any of the DVC resorts, but we sure do have our preferences. And the ones high enough on our pref lists we buy points

The rest we could take it or leave it whether we get to stay there or not.

I think the only WDW DVC resort we haven't stayed at is SSR. I couldn't seem to get myself or DH excited about that one. The vastness of the resort scares me. Since we don't rent a car when we go there. Plus we're not big fans bus stopping 5 times before it gets to our building.

When I stayed at OKW a long while back, I didn't have any problem with the resort itself. The room was nice, the grounds beautiful. But we were in a building far enough that we had to take the bus to get to the HH. And that was a bit of a pain. So we don't stay there anymore.

Other than that I like the other resorts.
AKV *we* think is far ... that's because we do not hang out at AK enough. So it feels like we're traveling far to the park everytime.
As far as the decor being dark, yeah... it's dark. But my fav resort is WLV and it's dark too. So

I love the fact that we have so many options. Yes, certain resorts won't be our first picks but if we had to stay there because of availability I'm sure we'll have a great time nonetheless...

 

[ssawka]

We've stayed at BCV, OKW, and BLT (our home).

BCV: Enjoyed it, but found nothing special with the themeing. Maybe it's living on the East Coast my whole live, but I feel the turn-of-the-century (last century) beach theme is a little overdone. I love the beach and liked the decor, it's just that I had a feeling of "been there, done that". We did enjoy SAB, but only got out there one day because we were visiting during a rather cold January. Also hated the buses, especially for AK and DTD. Having to share with BW, YC, Dolphin, and Swan was a bit much!

OKW: Enjoyed it, but we stayed there while attending a concert and did not get alot of "quiet time" at the resort. I however do not think I'd want to stay without a car, we rented a car that time to get to the conference and because we went to VBR after, but one of the things I love about WDW is not having to drive for a week.

BLT: It's our home, so I am emotionally attached to it. Can't beat the location for both MK as well as having direct transportation to any resort (via MK bus depot). I actually like the Decor, because it is very different then places we usually stay. Don't tend to stay in too many cities. About the only negative about the location is that there is nowhere to walk to at night, after MK closes.

That being said, I really have not stayed anywhere I "hated". I do want to try them all, except maybe SSR. I would love to check out SSR for the theming, decor, etc., but unless we decide to rent a car again, I just don't think it would be very convenient for us. This is true for AK as well, but I do want to experience the Savanah View.

 

[mac_tlc]

We have been members since 1992, and have stayed at all of the WDW DVC's except BCV. Since we joined so long ago, the majority of our stays are at OKW. A few of our thoughts and observations:

OKW: Our first love and still our favorite - We like the feel of being "removed" and somewhat quiet. We usually have a car, but the busses are no big deal. It's an equal ride to almost everywhere. Large units - low points --enough said.

BLT: Our newest home. I don't particularly like the styling, but the location is great, views of firewoks are awesome, and there is something about being able to hear the train whistle as soon as I wake up.

AKV: Stayed at Kidani last month and loved it. Loved the savannah view, very quiet. Didn't mind the location at all. I bet it's at most 5 more minutes to someplaces than OKW or SSR.

SSR: Stayed there once, no major complaints, except I miss the OKW balcony a lot. A little too spread out for me, and I could see "civilization" -- the RCID firehouse.

VWL: I like this theme. Since we usually have a car, there seems to be no DVC where the car is so far away, especially if you get a dumpster view room. While you have a boat to MK, I don't think it has any other transportation advantages.

BWV: Only stayed here once. Did enjoy being close to two parks. Only downside for us is that there is a lot going on -- which is the point, I guess. Sometimes we just want to relax and not have such a frenetic pace surrounding us.

Also stayed at the GC and absolutely loved everything about it. Too bad its so far away from CT.

If we ever add on again, it will be either AKV or VGC.

mac_tlc

 

[Tiger926]

We have stayed pretty much everywhere except: GF, BLT and Treehouse. Just stayed at Vero, and will be staying at HHI in March, so off-site DVC resorts are covered too (except for newest resorts: VGC and Aulani).

Over the past 10 years of vacationing to WDW as a married couple, we wanted to try all resorts, so that way, we could figure out which resorts suited our preferences or needs at that time. We would stay anywhere on property again and again, except for Value Resorts (too noisy, big, and much too small), but if we had no choice, we would stay there again if it meant not being able to go to WDW. We love being at Disney, but we do know that theming, decor and proximity to parks is important to people, and that is why people have no desire to stay at certain resorts, IMHO.

We always have our own car, and when we used to fly, we had a rental car, so we can stay anywhere with no worries about getting around. That being said, love being able to walk from BWV or BCV to Epcot or DHS, or taking a ferry boat to MK from VWL. With two kids, this makes the trip that much easier!

We do have favourites, and each of the 4 of us will give a different answer and it has to do with the pools and theming of the resorts, but for our family, we would stay anywhere, as long as we're at WDW!

Tiger

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Favorites in order of preference:
OKW BWV AKV BCT SSR WLV Haven't tried BLT yet.

I 've changed my res. from time to time, within 3/4 months and had to take SSR which I really did not like since ending up in Carousel (facing the road & guard gate both time) I now make request for the COngress Park area and it's much better and I love it.

In the end, to get away, there is no DVC location that would reuin my stay, even if I have resorts that I prefer for one reason or another.

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW was where we bought our first points and we still like it the best. We like the community style that it has, so naturally, we also like SSR. We like walking around the complex, we like parking close to the villa, and the rooms at OKW are the best - very large and spacious.

We did not like BWV - parking was difficult, only one bank of elevators, endless narrow corridors (though cutely decorated). Plus we just don't care for the BW feel and environment.

We like BCV - parking is a lot easier than BWV. Two sets of elevators and a very easy walk over to Epcot. It's nice being able to leave BCV at 8:50, walk over to Epcot to watch Illuminations (any spot is fine with me) and be back in the villa before 9:30.

VWL is also a favorite because we have always loved Yellowstone and the National Park system hotels. It reminds us of when we lived in Montana (and how much we would love to move back there).

VB isn't a favorite because the Atlantic coast isn't a favorite. If we are going to the beach, we're going to the Gulf Coast, especially the southern FL Gulf Coast at Marco Island. Never have gone to HHI, so I really can't judge that one.

AKV - KV just gave us a bad impression when we saw it for the first time after it was completed. It looks very industrial and prison-like from the outside. The rooms are lovely, but the view from the outside just wasn't our cup of tea. And the shower set up in Jambo House was a real turn off. We have stayed at Jambo House many years ago before the conversion of the 5th and 6th floors to DVC. At that point, we really liked it and I knew I wasn't staying in a DVC villa. We might decide to stay at JH, but the shower in the tub is not my idea of a DVC one bedroom bathroom. We don't really need the second bathroom in the one bedroom at all.

We have visited BTL and our son thought it looked real neat. But he's 17 and likes wierd stuff. The studios are an architectural nightmare - who designed that place?? But the larger villas aren't that bad. We might stay there sometime, but it's not in our immediate future.