HELP please!! On DVC recommendations.

[Butler_chic07]

Thinking about renting DVC for the first time. I really don't know where to start.

However I know that it's all based on points... and points are different for each property. And that it is all based on availability.

If you could choose DVC where would you choose and why?

Just looking for somewhere to start. We would only really need a studio.

Thank you for your support!

 

[Debrn]

Go over to the DVC boards, there is a rent/trade board.
Have stayed BLT (our favorite) but studio small compared to others. WL was nice, loved Boardwalk.

 

[redrosesix]

Thinking about renting DVC for the first time. I really don't know where to start.

However I know that it's all based on points... and points are different for each property. And that it is all based on availability.

If you could choose DVC where would you choose and why?

Just looking for somewhere to start. We would only really need a studio.

Thank you for your support!

We are planning to buy in to AKL -- the decision was made long ago, before we even saw the resort, because you could never stay at a place like that anywhere else. It has tons of activities for kids, which is an important factor for us. Since touring the resort, we feel even more strongly that this is the place for us -- the laid back feel of the place is just so us.

But watch the DVC boards -- they'll be able to give you much more information about what is available, how the points system works and what you'll find at each resort.

Best of luck

 

[Debrn]

What parks do you isit most? If just you and husband would say boardwalk or beach club. Romantic on boardwalk, nice to walk to Epcot in the evenings.

 

[Goofy4]

Start here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/RentTrade-FAQ.htm

To get the more popular resorts you'll need to plan several (or more) months in advance. During the peak seasons it can be difficult even then to get exactly what you want.

 

[Butler_chic07]

Thanks for the tips... I've looked at the boards, but also wanted opinions on which resorts others really enjoy.. I've only ever stayed at AKL and LOVED LOVED LOVED it. But have never stayed at any other resorts that offer DVC, have looked at pictures, but wanted some other input on where might be a good place to explore.

I can't pick based on parks, because we love all of the parks... and visit them pretty equally. Although the idea of being close to EPCOT sounds nice since we enjoy strolling around the World Showcase in the evening - sometimes enjoying and adult beverage or a few... and sometimes just enjoying some food from the stores. I love the French bakery

I am just being indecisive since there is so much to choose from (and since there are no promotions going on for our dates as of yet it's not helping weigh my decision as it has in the past).

 

[heimlichfan]

Definitely check the rent board... lots of friendly and helpful people.

We have done DVC rooms for the last 4 years- it's awesome! My rec for adults only would be Boardwalk - Jellyrolls is the best and if you stay at BWV you have a much shorter commute to your room at the end of the night!

My current favorite is BLT. I LOOOOVVVVEEE being so close to MK and on the monorail. Plus I really like the decor. I know some people don't, because it's not as "Disney" as other properties, but I love the the subtle and hidden Disney in the rooms.

 

[Goofy4]

Each resort has something the others don't so it's hard to recommend one. I would think you would enjoy the Boardwalk -- BWV or BCV.

If you're looking for a little more room inside and out, then OKW is a good choice.

SSR has nice water transportation options.

BLT has the obvious advantage of MK.

AKV and AKV/Kidani have the animals and nice theming.

WLV is relaxed with a "grand" lodge -- like AKV.

Here's an overview of the locations if you haven't seen it: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hotels/?sortBy=nG:hasResortCategoryFacet&fv_78265=on

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with Boardwalk Villas because in my opinion they have the best theme and atmosphere. Plus they also have walkways to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios or you can also take Boats to them.

 

[sam_001]

i have stayed at ssr, boardwalk, and my home resort akl they are very nice resort if you like epcot and Hollywood studios i would stay at beach club or boardwalk very short walk

 

[bnk1120]

Thinking about renting DVC for the first time. I really don't know where to start.

However I know that it's all based on points... and points are different for each property. And that it is all based on availability.

If you could choose DVC where would you choose and why?

Just looking for somewhere to start. We would only really need a studio.

Thank you for your support!

When are you planning on going?

Although we are DVC members, we have also rented points. We did it directly through the timeshare store. It was very easy. We gave them our top 3 choices and they found out what was available.

Based on your signature, it looks like you are not traveling with kids?? If it was me, I would try to get BWV. Walking distance to Epcot and so many restaurants.

 

[Tamar]

I noticed that you said there are no promotions going on yet. Just want to mention that there will never be any promotions involving DVC points--the point charts come out for the year, and they don't change. So, if you're interested in trying a DVC studio, you can do your research at any time.

Now, if you want to compare the cost of DVC rooms compared to regular Disney hotel rooms, you may have to wait for the hotel room promotions to be announced.

 

[fla4fun]

I have stayed at all of them except OKW. It really does depend on where you plan to spend the most time, because if you really like a particular park (maybe an Epcot fan, like me) then being able to walk to that park is a real perk.

Last year, I stayed at BCV twice and BWV twice. I like them both pretty much equally, although I think BWV has better views. The rooms are similar size and similar decor. BWV is more centrally located between the two parks if you want to walk, and the boat is right at the resort as well. At BCV, you have to walk to YC to catch the boat, and it's a much longer walk to the Studios - but Epcot is right on your doorstep.

The studios at BLT are smaller than most - but the location can't be beat if you like MK. The balconies there are nice, and the views are good from most rooms. They are an OK size for a couple, but I wouldn't want to stay there with more than two people.

VWL has a similar layout to BCV and BWV, but the rooms are very slightly smaller. You won't notice it much though. I love the cozy feel of the resort, and the fact that it doesn't feel like Florida when I stay there.

SSR is nice, but if you plan on spending a lot of time at the parks, I feel it's the least convenient. However, you are close DTD, which can be a plus for that last minute shopping and for dining alternatives. The rooms there are similar to BCV and BWV.

You can't really make a wrong choice - it's just what your particular preference is.

 

[francie57]

We stayed at the OKW years ago and they weren't for us since they were not connected to any parks. We have stayed at the BWVs since they opened (until last trip) and really love them. We love the Epcot resorts since we go into Epcot for most of our TS meals and love the convenience to two parks. This past trip we stayed at the BCVs since BWVs were not available. We really love them also. We will be returning in Aug. since the only view available for a two bedroom at the BW is a standard view and we like a preferred view. You can't go wrong with either of the Epcot resorts. We have never rented points so can't help you there. We usually go in Aug. just before the free dining starts so we usually book through AAA and get their package discount. There are no offers out there from Disney for our timeframe in Aug. this year so at this point we at least have the AAA discount.

 

[SusieBea]

Just a reminder, if you rent a studio at OKW, you get a few more square feet and you get 2 queen beds; all the other studios have a queen and a pull-out sofa. Something to consider depending on how you like to use the space.

 

[Sandisw]

We own BLT and BWV but have also stayed at VWL and BCV. We have liked them all but BLT and BWV are our favorites, hands down.

Why? Because we can walk to 3 of the 4 parks and only need to worry about the buses for our day at AK (which, usually, we rent a car or last year, we paid and took a taxi).

If you enjoy walking around Epcot at night, then I would suggest looking at BCV or BWV. When we stayed at BCV, we left the room at 8:50 pm to watch the 9:00 fireworks--watched from France--when they were over, we headed back and were in the room within 10 minutes of them ending.

The studios at both BWV and BCV are bigger than at BLT, but we have stayed in all 3 with 4 and they were all doable.

I am not sure when you are going but DVC books up quickly, especially in the fall and into the Xmas holidays so if that is in your plans, you will want to start investigating it now.

Just be sure though that you understand you are renting with an individual and NOT Disney--their are pros and cons of the situation and you need to be comfortable with them all, such as no daily mousekeeping, more stringent cancelation policies, and no control over the reservation--that remains with the owner.

But, it is a great way to save money if you are comfortable with all of it.

Good luck!

 

[ccgirl]

Thinking about renting DVC for the first time. I really don't know where to start.

However I know that it's all based on points... and points are different for each property. And that it is all based on availability.

If you could choose DVC where would you choose and why?

Just looking for somewhere to start. We would only really need a studio.

Thank you for your support!

I rented points for the first time this past October and had a WONDERFUL experience. Like you, we only needed a studio. We wanted either BWV or BCV but could only get 2 nights there so we did the first night at AKL savannah view. Ended up we liked AKL MUCH better than BCV and it was less points. There is just something about having a drink on the balcony looking out at the animals at the savanna.

 

[natfrac]

I think the best DVC resort all depends on what's important to you. We love BWV because of the close proximity to Epcot. We've also stayed at OKW, which has bigger rooms and is more laid back.
I'm not a DVC owner, but have rented points the last several years. I've always had great success with David's DVC Request.

 

[Butler_chic07]

Thanks for all the replies!

I knew a few of these things. And when I said there were no promotions I meant for a "regular" room, because I am not strongly swayed to a regular room. In the past we have gotten great discounts which has always prevented me from exploring DVC just because I couldn't pass up the savings.

I also knew that DVC fills up fast which is why I thought I'd post to get some others info and see if it swayed me one way or another. Because if this is the way we want to go we need to get goin'

I hate it because I am a huge planner and I feel so far behind!! Mostly like I said I have been able to book with some type of promotion and so far - nothing...

Oh well my little vent is over. I guess I'll have a little discussion with DH and try to get some more input from him!

Thanks again!

 

[ppony]

OP, since you mention you're a planner, I thought I'd throw this in as you are new the the DVC thing and may not know. I'm a planner too. I've never planned a vacation less than a year or year and a half out, EVER. But w/ DVC, you can't book a room at a home resortuntil 11 months and another DVC resort that ist a home until 7 months. What that means is you'll need to rent from someone that owns at that resort you want to stay at if you want to have the best chance at the room type and view you'll want. It's still possible at 7 months, but less likely for the most popular resorts and views (i.e. BLT- especially TP views, some AKV rooms, BC at food and wine time and the SSR treehouses). I own at AKV and LOVE the resort like no bodies business , but I also love BLT . Both are FANTASTIC. My DH didn't like the themeing of BLT in photos and even from the model we toured before we bought at AKV....until we stayed there and then he fell in love, so it's better than photos show I can tell ya. AKV is theming you won't find anywhere else on the continent, along w/ the CMs. It's like another world there. if you rent a car too you are SO close to off site dining and shopping like Target or Publiix to get some little things. We LOVE it and it's location. We haven't stayed at any other DVC resort except the WL and we much prefer AKL because we're Northerners and the wood cabin theming is done to death up here. We like to vacation in a place that is exceptionally different from anything else. But SSR is beautiful and lots of good is said about BCV, BW and OKW. We'd like to try them all one day. BEWARE. you might get the DVC bug! Nothing like KNOWING you'll be vacationing there at least every other year (which is how we do it) until your twilight years.