Factual List of Home Resort Pros and Cons

[July]

Wee.....
I'm in trouble. I haven't even been to my home resort. Bought unseen. A couple of years ago I made reservations for 4 nights and ended up having to cancel them. I was paying cash back then.
We only bought in June. VB is our home resort, first trip home is planned for May 2004.
I bought their because I grew up in St. Pete near Pass a Grille Beach I love the beach and I liked the 11 month window. I live so close to Disney that I can take advantage of staying at home and still going there during the day. Although we don't. We still go over and stay in hotels on and off Disney just to get away.
So reading everyone else Pro's and Con's has been neat. And I agree they are just opinions.

July

 

[pwoodham]

I also think this is a great idea.

For someone who is trying to decide, and does plan to visit before purchasing, this will be a great way for them get a list of "things to look for." For instance, without this list they may miss the difference in the balconies between BWV and BCV. It's possible that would make a big difference to someone who might not notice it otherwise. Same with parking in front of the units at OKW, distance to elevators, and transportation to the parks. These may seem like small things, but they get a lot of play on these boards!! In the end, I do believe the ambiance of each resort will have as much to do with the purchase decision as any list we have here.

Even for those who would buy sight-unseen (as we did), I think we should have more faith in most potential buyers. If we have a list of pros and cons submitted, I think most people will be able to figure out whether they see an item as a pro or a con, regardless of where it is on someone else's list. As we all know, these people must be intelligent, as they're making a very wise decision by purchasing DVC, right?

Good job, CaptainMidnight!

 

[timC]

The facts are not nearly as interesting as everyone's opinions. I think we're getting a little of both, but that's great, IMO. With that, here is my brief perspective on the 2 resorts that I own. I'll highlight what I believe are the key unique selling points, and a couple of key drawbacks.

VWL
PRO
- Theming is the main feature of this resort. The WL is consistently recognised in the travel industry for it's superbcarchitecture, landscape and general setting.
- Access to MK. A nice short boat ride, and you're there!

CON
- Outside of MK, you need to take a bus, or car everywhere else.
- There is no break on room rates.

BWV
PRO
- Access to Epcot, MGM, Boardwalk activities. There is more to do, within walking distance, than any other resort, aside from BCV.
- Widest variety of rooms/views and styles, from studios to BV, from STD view to Boardwalk view.

CON
- Parking seems to be a common complaint.
- The resort is spread out with long halls, but only one set of elevators. Another common complaint.

 

[DrTomorrow]

As one of those people that this thread is targeted at (a DVC Newbie coming to this forum to help learn and make a decision) I want to thank you all for contributing - this is very helpful!

As to the fact vs. opinion issue: I like 'em both. I compare it to a new movie. While I do want the facts - running time, rating, cast list, show times - I also like to read reviews (opinions) to see what other people think. Even if I don't agree with them, I find that other peoples' viewpoints usually bring up something that didn't occur to me.

For example: BWV. Some people want to be in the thick of things, others want a bit of distance; but it is a point that needs considering.

Also, I did read the FAQs here, but they were lacking in the kind of information that I'm finding here. So if someone can documentize it, that would probably help a lot of newbies.

Again, thanks much!
Erick

 

[Beth]

How about the number of pools?

-- Old Key West has 4 - one considered to be the "primary pool," one which is slightly smaller and with less activity, and two considered "quiet pools." None of these pools have slides.

-- Vero Beach has one "theme" pool, surrounded by a putt-putt course - with a nice corkscrew slide and snack bar.

-- Hilton Head has two - one at the resort, with a nice corkscrew slide, and one at the "beach house." The beach pool reminds me of a lap pool - but it's adjacent to a nice beach house area and snack bar.

-- Boardwalk has two pools. Actually, I'm not sure if Luna Park is considered to belong to the "Inn" or the "Villas" - but it is certainly used/enjoyed by both sets of guests. This theme pool is a favorite of many - with a whimsical clown at the base of the "roller coaster-themed" slide. There's also a "quiet pool" in the Villas area.

-- Wilderness Lodge - similar to Boardwalk. The Villas have their own "quiet pool" - which is positioned in a lovely setting amidst the trees, while they also share the themed pool in the courtyard of the Wilderness Lodge. This pool is another favorite - offering a great slide and hourly views of the geyser.

-- Beach Club Villas. Also has their own "quiet pool," but has access to "Stormalong Bay" - reputed to be the best themed pool on property by many. This one has pretty clearly been defined as a pool belonging to the Beach & Yacht Club resorts, with guests at BCV having "access."

Saratoga Springs. I'm sorry - I know of the artist renderings of the zero-access themed pool, here - but I'm unsure of the number of "quiet pools." The renderings of the proposed themed pool look really nice.

All that being said. DVC guests (currently) have pool-hopping priveleges to all Disney-Resort pools, with the exception of AK and SAB (BCV guests, the exception.) (certain black-out periods will apply during high seasons)

 

[nickglover]

Vero Beach:


Pros:

Atlantic Ocean
relaxing getaway
walking on the beach in the late afternoon
collecting seashells
pina coladas and pizza in the Green Cabin Room
great ocean view from the Green Cabin porch
rabbits on the lawn
excellent restaurants (one kitchen)
exceptionally fresh fish
two treasure museums nearby
Sebastian Inlet nearby
body surfing
Healthy Floridian breakfasts
no theme park crowds
underground parking with elevator to Inn rooms
plenty of luggage carts on wheels for Inn
great ocean views from east-facing inn rooms


cons:

occasional oil globs
loud pool
putting area sometimes under water
no-seeums
see-ums
perverts (just kidding)

 

[dkellumw]

Does anyone know what the approx. walk will be from SSR to the marketplace? If it is a fairly short walk (1/2 mile) then one nice thing about SSR will be that you can catch a bus to anyone of the resorts for dinner without having to transfer.

 

[disneycrazed139]

dkellumw

Thanks for mentioning that. It didn't occur to me before, but this will be a big plus. I never drive when I am in Orlando and, being dependent on transportation has always been a drag when it came time to go to other resorts for dinner. Great thought!

 

[pstepka]

We're just back from our stay at BCV and my husband and I are seriously considering buying into DVC. So...this thread is PERFECT. I would like to say that I DO like to see other's opinions...not just facts.

I think we just have to realize (as has been said) that an opinion is just that. It's not an invitation for a debate, nor is it a statement that says 'if you don't agree, then you're wrong'. If we all just realize that and let the opinions be posted without trying to argue them, this will be a great thread. I like to see WHY people think things (like being close to the Boardwalk, for one) are good or bad. They may bring up a point I had not considered.

So....please keep the facts and opinions coming!

Thanks!
Pam

 

[Richyams]

For some reason, facts seem to ruffle some feathers.

Like, BWV rooms are about 25% smaller than OKW rooms. BWV points are 25-100% higher than OKW rooms. BWV dues are 15or so % higher than OKW dues.
This means that in reality, you could be paying over 100% more dues per sq ft per night at BWV compared to OKW.

Is that a bash????

Or simply a statement of fact?

Personally, what has reminded me each and every time I have stayed at BWV that I prefer OKW, is the walk to the room.

I think that the BWV and BCV locations are great, some people find the location so appealing that they are willing to deal with the tiny units, high dues and expensive point schedule.

Unfortunately, we will probably never see OKW sized rooms again, possibly at the new EP, but I doubt it.

For me, the best pro is the comfort of the OKW unit, parking at your doorstep is nice, but the rom to relax and entertain is really what makes OKW the best resort around.

 

[Beth]

darn it... we were doing so well...

 

[Lisa F]

The best place to go for the "facts" on the various DVC resorts is to deb wills' website wdwig.com/faq_hot.htm and look under the home away from home resorts. She's done a wonderful job of compiling all of the facts about all of the WDW resorts, plus there are photos, maps, links to restaurants at the resort and their menus, plus a "readers comments" section if you want opinions about the resort. Seems rather silly to reinvent the wheel when there is a wonderful resource out there. If you believe her FAQ's are missing any vital information, she is always gracious about accepting comments/additions/changes for the FAQ's that she maintains.

Lisa

 

[CaptainMidnight]

pstepka, DrTomorrow, and pwoodham,
Glad to read that this thread is helpful to you as potential members. Thanks for chiming in and encouraging us. There are many wonderful people on these boards willing and able to help potential and new members, as witnessed by all the responses we see regularly to newbie questions. We all started out trying to learn about DVC at sometime. Perhaps having a central thread can get as many views as we can in one place.

To all you wonderful contributors, hats off to you for avoiding the "my home resort is better than yours" theme that could easily enter into these resort comments. Keep up the great work, and thank you for your contributions.

 

[RobDoc]

There is a pretty complete <a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/resorts.htm">FAQ about the DVC resorts</a> right here on the DIS.

It appears that a few of the room sizes are incomplete or inaccurate, but the general information is available.

Enjoy!

 

[chirona]

This is a small point but the pools at OKW have grills and picnic tables at least by turtle pond. Most of the points have been covered. Even though I have owned since 95 I have only stayed at HH and VB and OKW. Each resort has something unique to offer.

 

[Dancind]

I don't think this has been covered, except for OKW. We always have a car, and DH is averse to Valet parking for some reason. So...

Access to self-parking

OKW: directly in front of the unit
BCV: adjacent to the resort
BWV: limited parking near the resort, more across the street
WVL: (haven't stayed there)

Diana

 

[disneycrazed139]

SSR pools--according to the multi-site public offering statement, in addition to the themed pool, there will be 1 additional quiet pool. (although I thought I read somewhere else that there will be 2 additional pools)

 

[TwingleMum]

Captain Midnight - Thank you so much for this wonderful thread and for keeping it from a bash session. I had intended to look over all the DVC resorts when we went in Nov and make an educated decision. But when I called for an information packet at the end of june I was told BCV would be long gone by then. YIKES!! That accelerated our buying process. We stayed at YC years ago and loved it. But we never were to the others - VWL,BWV,OKW so we bought where we thought we would stay the most over the life of the DVC. We have 3 boys under 3 so MK we'll be spending most of our time there but when the boys are older I'm sure that will change and we thought they'd love SAB. This thread would have helped make a scary decision a little easier. Thanks again .

 

[arminnie]

These are some of the questions that I asked myself when deciding which resort to buy into:

1. How many people are going to be with me? Do I need a lot of room or just a studio? Do I need the larger space provided by OKW?

2. How many beds do I need? If I need more than one real bed (as opposed to a bed and a sleeper sofa) would I rather stay in OKW studio with two real beds or rent two studios or a 2 BR at another resort.

3. Do I want the privacy of two (or more) units for a crowd or the togetherness of a grand villa? Does one resort have more availability of what I might need?

4. Do I need a full kitchen/w/d convenience - yes all of the DVC resorts have these for non studio units but could I maybe stretch my points to afford at a 1BR more often if I stay at OKW instead at other resorts. How important is that whirlpool tub?

5. Where do I prefer to go for entertainment at night - Boardwalk/EPCOT or Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island? The EPCOT DVC homes are VERY convenient for the Boardwalk activities, Illuminations, and for dining at EPCOT. SSR looks like it will be very close to DD/PI - lots of restaurants, clubs, AMC, Cirque, and shopping. Or would I like to stay home at night maybe in a larger OKW unit.

6. Will I have a car? How important is parking up close? OKW has very convenient parking. When I stayed at BI I had to walk a long way from the parking lot. Will I use my car for transportation to the parks or use Disney transportation? Which DVC resorts
require me to use the bus more if I do not go by car?

7. Would I prefer walking up stairs at some of the OKW building w/o elevator to walking longer distances at the other resorts?

8. Do I want to be right in the middle of lots of action and lots of things to do or be more removed for a quieter away from it all vacation?


This is by no means a comprehensive list of what to consider in picking a home resort - only what pertained to me. I did not consider the longer term of ownership at SSR. Nor does it address whether you should buy at all. It's all about which resort is best for YOU not which resort is best.

 

[BriarRose59]

There will be one themed pool and one quiet pool at SSR when the first 4 buildings open. On my map of the resort there is only one other quiet pool listed. I don't think that the last quiet pool will open until all the other buildings in the resort are complete. It seems to be located between the buildings at the resort entrance which is at the opposite side of the resort from the first 4 buildings.

My decision to buy at SSR also had to do with the location. My DDs are a little older (12 and 16) and they love to shop. We always make it a point to visit DTD when we are in FL. This will definitely make it easier to spend a relaxed time at DTD instead of having to worry about waiting on a bus back to our resort when we are worn out from spending too much money or parking the car, remembering where we parked (which can be a challenge) and fighting to get out of the parking lot on a busy day/night. This resort will satisfy us all because I love the parks, my husband likes PI and my DDs like DTD. We have stayed at OKW a few times and have had no complaints about the bus service. I would guess SSR will have pretty much the same wait times.