First Three Nights at DVC

[Opie100]

I'm bringing my DW and 5 year-old DD to DW for their first visit ever (they've been to Disneyland for one day) in mid-late May. We will be staying with friends off campus for a few nights, but for the last three nights I want to stay on a DVC property, in hopes of convincing DW to buy some points. I haven't decided which property I intend to make our home - probably BWV, OKW, or AKV. Pool is a factor as DD loves to swim. We can only afford 100 points to purchase at this point.

I plan to rent points for three nights for a studio - where should we stay? I think the best options are: OKW studio for three nights, or OKW studio for two nights and AKV value studio for one. BWV looks to not have availability according to the other forum, but I'm not certain. We will have a car, and so while I'm not nuts about moving around lots, I think it would be good to get a feel for a couple different places. Thoughts? And is it hard to rent points with two different destinations? (Is it two separate reservations?)

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I would stay at BWV. If you're paying cash, there's still a chance that cash reservations are available through CRO. If not, you may be able to get something off of the rent/trade board.

I love all three resorts. The only reason I chose BWV is because it's right in the middle of everything, there's tons of stuff to do at the BW, you're within walking distance of Epcot and DHS, and my kids LOVE the pool there.

Hope you have a wonderful trip, and fun planning! There NOTHING like seeing Disney through the eyes of a child (and a spouse that's never been)!!!

 

[ccigliano]

I suggest you at least visit each resort before you buy. Many people make the mistake of purchasing at one place without having seen another and end up regretting the original purchase. My advice is to buy where you love to stay no matter the maintenance fees or the upfront cost. You'll be better off in the long run and I am definately a proponent of the resale market as I have done it twice through the sponsor listed above and save a bunch. Good Luck!

 

[Opie100]

Thanks for the responses! If I rent points from someone, and I want to stay at two different resorts, does that require two separate reservations? And is changing resorts during a stay a pain? I thought I read that Disney moves luggage in these circumstances.

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks for the responses! If I rent points from someone, and I want to stay at two different resorts, does that require two separate reservations? And is changing resorts during a stay a pain? I thought I read that Disney moves luggage in these circumstances.

Yes, any change in location or room size would be a separate reservation. Bell Services will transfer you luggage. You must be in your room for pick-up and delivery.

 

[5forDiz]

Thanks for the responses! If I rent points from someone, and I want to stay at two different resorts, does that require two separate reservations? And is changing resorts during a stay a pain? I thought I read that Disney moves luggage in these circumstances.

Yes it is 2 separate reservations. Bell services will take your luggage if you wish on your check-out day at resort 1 and transport it to resort 2. However, you may not receive it at resort 2 until late afternoon so if you have a car it is usually more convenient just to take it yourself, especially if you wanted to spend the day at pool (there are changing facilities at pool areas). If you do decide on 2 different resorts go over to resort 2 early am on that check-in day and take care of all your check-in formalities at front desk ( ~sometimes~ but usually not you may get a surprise of your room being available early otherwise they'll give you a number to call later on to see if its become available ) so you are able to go off and enjoy the day by the pool or at parks, etc.

Agree with pp's that you should try to stop in and visit each DVC resort that you aren't staying at as well (maybe plan breakfast at one, dinner at another) then you can get at least some idea of what the other resorts are like (sometimes if you ask at desk they will allow you to see a villa that is unoccuppied). Pool hopping for DVC members is allowed to all DVC resorts but not at BCV and AK & not at BLT when that opens(you'd need to be staying at BCV to use Stormalong Bay, etc.)
- - I can't recall if this pool hopping member perk is allowed for guests staying on rented points reservation so you'd need to ask the member that you rent points from to verify whether you can or cannot pool hop.

If you're looking for more home-like/community-golf resort type feel try OKW or SSR ( our home resort is OKW it !! kids love main pool area at Hospitality House & there are 3 other quiet pools that are really nice as well & great community hall activities for kids ). If you're looking for more of a hotel type experience try BWV or BCV as pp said for their great location (& lots of fun activities evenings on boardwalk & BWV has community hall too), VWL great location to MK & Ft. Wilderness Resort & AKV of course has it's own special uniqueness. You can't go wrong imho which ever DVC resorts you choose !

Have fun planning

 

[backyardponder]

For this visit, I recommend having a car. Go visit each of the resorts and spend a couple hours walking around getting the feel of the resort. If you stop at the reception desk, they will give you a map and a suggested route. When you get to the security gate with your car, just tell them you want to walk around the resort since you are considering investing in DVC. They will be happy to let you in.

 

[cseca]

Disney does try to make it painless to change resorts. HOWEVER, it is a bit of a pain to have to check in and out every couple of days.

If I were you I would check out pictures online and then make guesstimate and where your DH would love best and make the ressie there. Poolwise you can check them out without staying at the actual resort. Just take a little bit of time exploring all the resorts you might be interested in.

Also, understand that OKW has the biggest room sizes compared to the other resorts. And the studios I think has 2 queen beds instead of 1 bed and a pull out sofa (but someone could correct me on this). So make sure you take into account all these differences before purchasing.

oh one more thing, if you need to sleep 5 people AKV and BLT 1 bedroom allows 5 people. The rest of the resorts allows 4 people. Just in case that's a make or break point for ya.

Good luck!

 

[Opie100]

Thanks you guys!! Much awesomeness to you. Yes, will definately have a car. More questions:

1) Are there any golf privledges for DVC members? Does it matter what club is your home club?

2) Barring Grand Villa bookings, is there any particular reason to make OKW your home club, since it seems to be available frequently at 7-months anyway?

3) UPDATED: I don't think BWV is available on my days (given info on the availability forum) so I'll probably be choosing between OKW and AKV - for a first trip, which studios would you recommend I try (to convince the wife to buy)?

 

[Disneymom2266]

I would suggest buying at OKW if you can. It costs less points there, and the rooms are just as nice as others, even a bit bigger I hear. The benefit of owning at a particular resort is a difference of 4 months booking window. Depending on when you travel, you can book out 11 months in advance at your home resort, vs. 7months everywhere else. IMO, for instance, I would never go at spring break,due to the crowds. EVERYONE is at WDW I think. So, check out some of the places, and then make your decision. Try staying at OKW for your 3 nights,and while youre there, look at the other resorts. Have fun!

 

[Darkside]

I would definitely stay at BW over OKW. OKW is the oldest DVC and it shows. I would considering buying at a resort like SSR either from Disney or on the resale market. I believe SSR has the lowest maintenace fees at this time.

 

[cseca]

Just another thought, if you calculate it out. The majority of your expense (in the life of the contract) would be the yearly maintenance fee. Some people I've seen purchased VB because of the cheaper per point cost regardless of having the higher MF.

Take that into consideration along with the contract expiry dates. The newer resorts of course have longer life vice versa.

 

[Opie100]

Thanks for the input. If you had to spend three nights in AKV studio value versus OKW studio to impress the wife in May, which would you choose? AKV due to it's "wow" factor? OKW because of its size?

 

[pickles]

I would do a split stay like you thought. yes moving is a bit of a pia, BUT you will get a chance to taste a little of the 2 resorts you are most interested in.

Don;t assume there is no availability to BW just based on posts here, actually check with member services. they may have one day for you.

I would also take the time to visit the resorts that interest you most.

I love OKW and AKV my 2 favorites. I love breakfast at Boma's.

OKW porches are amazing and so enjoyable..love the golf course views. I own at both. Maybe buy 2 small contracts and then with banking and borrowing you can have the best of all worlds.
BCV and BWV are harder to get into than AKV and esp OKW

 

[5forDiz]

Don't just rely on what you are reading here on the availablity thread because that is only reflecting what is being reported, it's to give you an idea of what may be available but it is also very likely that even when something has been reported unavailable that the situation has changed by the time your ressie request is being made to MS.

Also, OKW as well as every other DVC resort is on a regular rehab schedule so no matter what resort you stay at you may get a villa that may seem more tired/showing wear-tear because it is about to come up for rehab again or you may get a villa that was just recently rehabed - so don't let the number of years a resort has been open influence your choice because of worries that it is just being allowed to disintegrate - that will not be case with DVC resorts ( that's what Maintenance Fees are all about - operating & maintaining the properties ).

Post back how it goes & good luck getting resorts you'd like.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Personally, I would not do a split stay. Last thing you want when trying to convince how convenient and great DVC is... is to take a chance on having problems or long waits with the transfer. Even if everything goes right it is still an interruption to the experience. I think you should choose one and then spend some time visiting others to get a feel for the difference in themes. Beyond themes they are all pretty much the same... Except of course BWV and BCV have short walks to the doorstep of WDW. Still, most all the resorts have multiple choices by land and water to get to WDW.

Good Luck

 

[Deb & Bill]

I would definitely stay at BW over OKW. OKW is the oldest DVC and it shows. I would considering buying at a resort like SSR either from Disney or on the resale market. I believe SSR has the lowest maintenace fees at this time.

Give me a break. OKW is a great resort. Every studio has two queen beds and the bathroom is the largest studio bathroom on the property. OKW hasn't shown it's age to me in all our stays. I've heard more grumbling about the condition at BWV than OKW in the recent past. The buses at OKW serve only OKW, so you're not that far from the parks when you take a bus from OKW.

OKW is a wonderful resort because you get such a relaxed feeling staying there. There are four pools, one themed and one larger pool with a snack bar besides the themed pool. You're just bus or boatride away from DTD at OKW.

When they talk about a home away from home, that's OKW. BWV is just another hotel room. As Richyams used to say, you can sit on your balcony at BWV and reach into the refrigerator and get a cold beer at the same time.

And I agree with Rob about not doing a split stay for that few days. It's just not worth it to be homeless for the day you switch.

OKW one bedroom and larger have the largest porch on the property. Our last stay at OKW, I'd sit out on the porch in the morning with my breakfast and watch the otters play in Trumbo Canal.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I would definitely stay at BW over OKW. OKW is the oldest DVC and it shows. I would considering buying at a resort like SSR either from Disney or on the resale market. I believe SSR has the lowest maintenace fees at this time.

I am a BWV owner and am glad I am because of the resale value (if needed). Otherwise, since 1998 we have only stayed there three times and the last time we weren't real happy with the condition of the carpets and walls. The only reason we stay there is the proximity to WDW and the convenience of walking to it and back home. BWV is a bustling place and doesn't offer the quiet and relaxation that some other resorts do. To each his own, I guess, but I would not discourage anyone from staying at OKW over BWV.

 

[kristenrice]

Thanks for the input. If you had to spend three nights in AKV studio value versus OKW studio to impress the wife in May, which would you choose? AKV due to it's "wow" factor? OKW because of its size?

AKV definitely has the "WOW" factor as soon as you walk into the lobby...

...but when you open the door to a value studio, you will find the smallest DVC accomodation-type available. A value studio at AKV is only 316 sq.ft. That is the same as a moderate! (I'm not trying to knock it...we're staying there in June )

Now, perhaps the setting of OKW isn't as exotic as the AKV, but there is a huge "WOW" factor when you open the door to those villas! (Let me throw in that I have not stayed in an OKW studio, only the 1 and 2BR's) The OKW studio is a whopping 390 sq.ft. making it one of the largest DVC studios. It also has that wonderful balcony described by a previous poster.

Just to throw my $0.02 into the discussion, if I were trying to convince my spouse to buy into DVC, I would stay at OKW and I would absolutely make an ADR for Boma (do breakfast if you're not really adventurous) and take an impromtu tour of the AKL.

We ate at Boma and Jiko on our honeymoon while staying at the WL. We had stayed at OKW the year before we were married and actually thought about buying into DVC on that trip. DH had not been back to the AKL since we were married, but apparently he remember enough about it to agree that it was the place for us to buy. We opted to buy AKV so that we can have the 11-month window for the value rooms while our kids are still little. I know we will be back at OKW too, but we don't need the 7 month window there. We are a family of four so we can stay in anything from a studio to a 2BR.

Good Luck with your "mission". Mine was successful....but it took 7 years!

 

[Opie100]

Great input y'all. Thank you very much. I would be prefer bigger and brighter (OKW) but I know my wife would prefer newer bed and cleaner room. Does that mean AKV wins?