Help, potential new DVC owner wanting opinions.

[Dancind]

I'd say if you find a great deal, and your offer gets accepted, don't wait. You already know you love Disney, so there's no doubt you will love WDW. Even if you don't LOVE BWV, you can stay other places. We did something very similar, had a September trip planned, wound up buying a resale contract in July at OKW in 2001. We had already been to WDW once, and knew we would love to travel there as often as possible. We were able to find a Member on the rent/trade board that booked us a 1 BR at OKW for five weeknights for that trip, two months out. September is a slow month, and there is usually availability at OKW, even other resorts. Of course, we weren't able to close in time to make our own booking. It was the best part of our trip, and made us feel so good about already having our own contract closing that week!

You might want to make a visit to the Rent/Trade board. You might be able to try it out on this trip.

 

[Beca]

I just wanted to add on more of my thoughts. We live in AZ...so, we are not that far from you. I'm sure you are very familiar with Southwest Airlines...well, I'm not sure EXACTLY how much it is from LA to MCO, but from PHX to MCO it is about $200 round trip (plus taxes)...I don't think it could be THAT much more from Cal. And, with the non-stops leaving phx, we fly in about 4.5 hrs, and the timing of them is WONDERFUL...we arrive in MCO around 2:00..just perfect for check-in. I'm sure there are similar "deals" in LA. After buying, we now have one trip planned for this year (we bought in March with a LOT of banked points that we need to use), and two trips planned for next year. The distance does not seem to deter us one bit!!! We drive 5 hours to go to DL (nice, but cannot compare to WDW), or we fly 4.5 hours to be "home"!!! I just wish we could afford MORE points....!!!!



Beca

 

[SoCalKDG]

Our airfare was $250, and we could now get fares for $215 from an airport only 30 minutes away(Ontario airport). Total flight time is about 5 hours, non-stop(so its actually a pretty easy flight), similar to when we drive to Vegas. Frequent flier miles combined with a miles card gets me a free air ticket per year. Flying to Florida is cheaper than traveling into the middle of the country, and much cheaper than Hawaii.

If we go every other year for around 10 days, travel isn't a problem. Considering the fact I'm used to heat(90-100 in summer), I'm not worried about the heat/humidity. We will also never travel in the Summer(2 year old daughter, year round school) hopefully the humidity won't be too bad in late September through December, or in April.

Is the humidity less in October to December? How is it compared to Cancun(been there 3 times).

Choosing BWV was a pretty easy choice, although I will want to occasionally try other resorts. Being close to two resorts is similar to when we stay at a hotel close to DL and DCA.

The wife wanted only 150 points, but I have her talked into 175 already. It will be nice to invite in-laws occasionally.

 

[Mark099]

Humidity is about the same as Cancun at this time of year. October to December is much better. October is probably the best month for weather (unless there is a hurricane).

As for points... figure out the type of room you'll need at BWV and the time of year you will travel. Then figure out how many points you'll need for 10 days, divide by 2, then buy that many points. Do not buy too much unless you plan on increasing your frequency of travel or are interested in trading out into other time-shares. An 150 point contract (300 pts every 2nd year) will get you a 1BR for 8-12 days depending on the resort and season.