Help me pick a home resort!

[wildernessDad]

Where to buy is a very personal decision that you need to make. You can take the OPINIONS of others, but the bottom line (in my opinion) is that you should buy where you will be most happy.

 

[drag n' fly]

Why isn't anyone interested in AKV?

There is a resort for everyone. Lots of people love AKV! It is just not what we are looking for...that's all!

 

[Granny]

Where to buy is a very personal decision that you need to make. You can take the OPINIONS of others, but the bottom line (in my opinion) is that you should buy where you will be most happy.

 

[lisaviolet]

Hi epicureangirl,

My question about whether your decision was final was only because you mentioned every 2-3 years and some people don't think DVC is worth the money if you might go three years at times. Ie. can still do DVC/renting or CRO for others/or DVC. And that's a lot of maintenance for three years. For one trip. Just wanted to point that out. I certainly didn't mean to infer that Disney wasn't a good choice. But it seems to me like you like the idea of having your own points and that every other would be the norm.

BWV have standard points and preferred points. Preferred points are designated pool view, garden view or boardwalk view. Standard points are rooms out the front (for the most part) but they are less points, as Granny stated, than preferred. Ie. point totals for standard are as low as OKW (the lowest points). I get a double bonus because I actually like the location. Your best chance of nabbing standard points or designated BW view each time is to own there. One reason to buy BWV.

CI. I've talked to a agent at CI Blue Mountain and he told me that the direct exchange is on both sides. Ie. it's not always a given but it's a heck of a lot greater chance then a large pool of most exchanges.

I mentioned CI only to show you that if you have extra points between your Disney trips (even when banking) that there are direct exchanges right in your area. Also, we exchange with II (Disney selected resorts and no II membership to pay). But CI is direct.

Good luck,

Lisa

 

[epicureangirl]

Hi epicureangirl,

My question about whether your decision was final was only because you mentioned every 2-3 years and some people don't think DVC is worth the money if you might go three years at times. Ie. can still do DVC/renting or CRO for others/or DVC. And that's a lot of maintenance for three years. For one trip. Just wanted to point that out. I certainly didn't mean to infer that Disney wasn't a good choice. But it seems to me like you like the idea of having your own points and that every other would be the norm.

Oh, I realise that many go regularly and get great value from their points making frequent small trips perhaps, but instead of buying say, 300 points and using that each year, I would buy 150 points and do it every other year (or bank & borrow to include 3 years if I wanted a really long trip or to rent a 2 bdr for instance). A year of maintenance on 300 points would be the same as 2 years on 150pts (would it not?). I don't have to pay maintenance on points in the bank, do I? I hope I'm not confused on this point!

If DVC opens a property in California, I would likely add-on to my existing contract or buy a new one as I would get a lot more mileage out my membership if I could go to a west coast destination. Or, if I find that DVC is really easy (and economical) to book other non-dis properties I may want to increase the points. I should say that at this moment, I am ready to commit to a starter contract of 150, but would want to get my feet-wet before adding on.

 

[lisaviolet]

Oh, I realise that many go regularly and get great value from their points making frequent small trips perhaps, but instead of buying say, 300 points and using that each year, I would buy 150 points and do it every other year (or bank & borrow to include 3 years if I wanted a really long trip or to rent a 2 bdr for instance). A year of maintenance on 300 points would be the same as 2 years on 150pts (would it not?). I don't have to pay maintenance on points in the bank, do I? I hope I'm not confused on this point!

No you are not confused in the least. The maintenance is absolutely based only on your yearly point total.

I was simply comparing, on the third year basis, spending the initial outlay and paying three years of maintenance to going to Disney via renting or CRO.

But, like I said, I see that two years will be your norm and that you like the idea of having DVC to make sure you go on vacation.

 

[epicureangirl]

I was simply comparing, on the third year basis, spending the initial outlay and paying three years of maintenance to going to Disney via renting or CRO.

But, like I said, I see that two years will be your norm and that you like the idea of having DVC to make sure you go on vacation.

Yes, it is the initial outlay that is the semi-painful part... compared to renting every other year or so, but after running the numbers, it really will provide value as long as I hang on to it for awhile. Believe me, I have come up with spreadsheets for the spreadsheets to calculate my options!

 

[lisaviolet]

Yes, it is the initial outlay that is the semi-painful part... compared to renting every other year or so, but after running the numbers, it really will provide value as long as I hang on to it for awhile. Believe me, I have come up with spreadsheets for the spreadsheets to calculate my options!

I believe! I was absolutely finished with the three years statement/question in my very first post. You were very clear that it was a non-issue. Somehow I've babbled on and on because I've felt the need to explain my words/reasoning in this thread. It's clear you know the ins and outs of DVC.

Are you closer to choosing one over another after our posts? Or are all three showing their charms? It's difficult. I've stayed at all except AKV and VB. Can't wait to do those ones. I've enjoyed them all for different reasons.

 

[epicureangirl]

Are you closer to choosing one over another after our posts? Or are all three showing their charms? It's difficult. I've stayed at all except AKV and VB. Can't wait to do those ones. I've enjoyed them all for different reasons.

I am leaning towards Boardwalk, if the opportunity & price work out -- I'm a bit concerned that Disney may be buying up these on ROFR and they don't come up nearly as often as Key West. I really love the look of the Beach Club, but the initial price-point is hard to justify, just to get the early booking advantage.

Yesterday, I was noticing how low the point prices are at VB, and am now wondering if I should buy low (price-wise) and try to get more points (maybe 175-200), even if VB would not be my first choice for a vacation. I wish I knew how hard it would be if I booked at VB as a home resort and tried to waitlist to get another property. Then again, the maintenance fees at VB are high. Arrrgh! I am not usually an indecisive person, but this is really confusing the hell out of me!

 

[DVC Mike]

Yesterday, I was noticing how low the point prices are at VB, and am now wondering if I should buy low (price-wise) and try to get more points (maybe 175-200), even if VB would not be my first choice for a vacation. I wish I knew how hard it would be if I booked at VB as a home resort and tried to waitlist to get another property. Then again, the maintenance fees at VB are high. Arrrgh! I am not usually an indecisive person, but this is really confusing the hell out of me!

Yes, don't forget the difference in annual maintenance fees, as you'll be paying for that every year going forward, which will probably negate any price differences in the initial purchase.

BWV is great. The atmosphere of the Boadwalk is fun, as is Luna Park pool! Plus, you have a walkway into Epcot or can take the boat launch to DHS. I love the restaurants (especially Flying Fish Cafe and Spoodles!). Plus, the Boardwalk view rooms offer a great view of Crescent lake and the Standard view rooms are point-saving (and may be hard to get at times if you don't own there).

 

[salmoneous]

Why isn't anyone interested in AKV?

Rember, it's not just what resort you like best, but the pros/cons of home-resort ownership there.

I have a feeling I'm really going to like AKV. But I would never buy points there. The maintence fees will probably always be a higher than average. And I don't think getting standard/savannah rooms will be a problem at the 7 month window. Now, if I wanted to stay concierge it might be worth buying AKV points, as you will usually need home ownership to get those.

I view OKW the same. It may be a great resort, but I don't see it as a good choice for my home resort, unless I were interested in Grand Villas. Then it would be a great home resort.

 

[islandtimect]

I have a feeling I'm really going to like AKV. But I would never buy points there. The maintence fees will probably always be a higher than average. And I don't think getting standard/savannah rooms will be a problem at the 7 month window. Now, if I wanted to stay concierge it might be worth buying AKV points, as you will usually need home ownership to get those.

Can you explain 1)why the fees will be higher and 2)why you don't think it'll be a problem getting regular rooms there? We're down to choosing AKV, BCV or WLV. Somethimes the more I read, the more confused I get. Maybe I should wait until we tour the properties in 2 weeks and go with which we like the best!

 

[epicureangirl]

Yes, don't forget the difference in annual maintenance fees, as you'll be paying for that every year going forward, which will probably negate any price differences in the initial purchase.

Thanks for the reminder. The maintenance fees will not only go up, that is the one portion of my purchase that will fluctuate over the years due to the Cdn/US $ exhange rate. Right now it is great, so the initial buy-in would be ideal timing, but the annual maintenance fees will be harder to predict (and I did not factor that into my may spreadsheets!).

I'm loving the idea of Boardwalk but could certainly be happy with Key West too, and I've started making calls to the resale offices already!

Many thanks!

 

[salmoneous]

Can you explain 1)why the fees will be higher and

The big costs are the animals and maintaining the savannas. There also seem to be more CM's giving tours and running programs, which might ad some to the cost. I don't think there is any doubt fees will be higher. The initial fees are about $0.50/point more than you would expect. There is some debate about what those fees will do in the future. Some folks fear they will skyrocket. The rest of us tend to believe the "extra" costs will grow at about the same rate as everything else, so you will always see a gap, but not a huge one.

2)why you don't think it'll be a problem getting regular rooms there?

This is pure speculation on my part. But AKV will be a big resort and AKL was never super popular. It was often the last of the Deluxe resorts to sell out, and the first to be include in code deals. Put large number of room together with somewhat less popular resort and I get a DVC that won't often need the 11-month booking window.

However, one thing I haven't factored in are that the Kidani 1BR/2BR will have the extra bathroom and bedding. That may jump them up the list in popularity. As I said, I'm just speculating. We'll have to wait and see to be sure.

 

[tink4ever]

We picked VWL because it is my favorite and we picked BCV because it is my DH favorite. And now we are guaranteed to be able to stay at our special resorts whenever we would like so for us that decision was easy. Good luck!!!

 

[epicureangirl]

Yes, don't forget the difference in annual maintenance fees, as you'll be paying for that every year going forward, which will probably negate any price differences in the initial purchase.

Yes, you were certainly right. So RIGHT in fact, that the lower maintenance fees at the Beach Club, tipped the scales in its favour, even though I thought I couldn't justify the extra expense per point.

An update to all: My offer was accepted today on BCV, so I will now be waiting nervously to hear if it passes ROFR, stay tuned.

Sorry to all who THOUGHT they were going to help me choose between SSR/OKW/BWV... I went with my first initial love which is BCV. Your help, experience and encouragement is very appreciated and I hope to join the ranks of the DVC owners soon!

Cheers.

 

[Granny]

Where to buy is a very personal decision that you need to make. You can take the OPINIONS of others, but the bottom line (in my opinion) is that you should buy where you will be most happy.

Sorry to all who THOUGHT they were going to help me choose between SSR/OKW/BWV... I went with my first initial love which is BCV.

It sounds like you did take some of the great advice here. If you went with a resort you love, you will NEVER regret it!!

Congratulations, and good luck with ROFR!!

 

[Mississippian]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on the DVC part of the board but thanks to everyone who contributed. Your comments really helped me do my homework. Along with extensive reading and calculations which have convinced me that DVC ownership is for me (and my family of course), I am having a hard time making the final selection of a resort, and wondered what your considerations would be for the following 3 resorts:

OKW
SSR
BWV

My thoughts were that:
- I'd pick OKW for the room size
- SSR because of the extra years of ownership (which I may likely be too old to enjoy, but may help far down the road if I decide to sell)
- BWV for the proximity to Epcot, viewing of illuminations and a fun pool and atmosphere for my girls (2 and 10), and I'm a little worried I may not as easily book this resort if I don't have the early booking option (that you do when it is your home resort)

Since I am on the west coast, I will not be making yearly trips -- probably every 2 or 3 years (with banking and borrowing).

I've already forcast what this will cost me initially, 10 years out etc., so it all comes down to where you would pick as your home resort and why. I have already considered the others (and run the numbers), so please tell me your opinions on OKW, SSR & BWV. Hope I have the acronyms right.

Cheers.

The extra years that SSR has are virtually worthless. They are so far out that their present value is perhaps two or three dollars, at most. So this should be the last thing that should influence your decision on choosing a resort.

I tend to be a SSR basher, but it does get your foot in the door with lower annual dues than the other resorts. That IS a plus. BUT, you may find it hard to book at other resorts inside the seven-month window. So be aware that in the future owning at SSR may lock you into staying at SSR during the busy months, or at least that is the general fear.

My home resort is BWV and I can't imagine staying anywhere else, although I enjoy VWL and think I might like AKV.

SO, decide where you want to stay the most, and buy there, period. Consider the dues and location but as long as there are more than 30 years remaining on the contract you should treat it as if there are 99 remaining.

 

[3DisneyKids]

An update to all: My offer was accepted today on BCV, so I will now be waiting nervously to hear if it passes ROFR, stay tuned.

Sorry to all who THOUGHT they were going to help me choose between SSR/OKW/BWV... I went with my first initial love which is BCV. Your help, experience and encouragement is very appreciated and I hope to join the ranks of the DVC owners soon!

Cheers.

Wonderful! Be sure to keep us posted so we can welcome you HOME!

The extra years that SSR has are virtually worthless. They are so far out that their present value is perhaps two or three dollars, at most. So this should be the last thing that should influence your decision on choosing a resort.

I strongly (and politely) disagree here. Look at what is happening with all of the 2042 resorts now...people are having to cough up extra money to extend the life of the contract.

Industry forcasts suggest that the resale value of the 2042 resorts is just about peaking between now and the next 3-4 years. Thus, very soon we will start to see the 2042 resorts begin to lose value, which is exactly why DVC is choosing now as that time to extend out. The contracts that do not extend out are going to significantly decrease in resale value and soon. SSR and AKV are going to hold their value for several years longer than the 2042 resorts.

While I dearly love some of the 2042 resorts, I would not buy one today nor would I advise others to. If push comes to shove and you really need to unload your DVC down the road (for whatever reason), you may likely take a bath on these. Now, if you bought them early on, then sure, you will still make out just fine. But to buy one of the 2042 resorts today is to buy when the market is at its peak...something you never want to do in real estate, right?

 

[drag n' fly]

Yes, you were certainly right. So RIGHT in fact, that the lower maintenance fees at the Beach Club, tipped the scales in its favour, even though I thought I couldn't justify the extra expense per point.

An update to all: My offer was accepted today on BCV, so I will now be waiting nervously to hear if it passes ROFR, stay tuned.

Sorry to all who THOUGHT they were going to help me choose between SSR/OKW/BWV... I went with my first initial love which is BCV. Your help, experience and encouragement is very appreciated and I hope to join the ranks of the DVC owners soon!

Cheers.

Congrats! We are pretty sure we have settled on SSR...