How did I choose my home resort? Well, I expressed interest in purchasing BCV and ended up with an AKV contract.
My direct purchase experience was both difficult and aggravating because I felt like I was not getting truthful answers. Also, I have often wondered if I hold the record for most contracts issued before signing because I received 6 contracts before inking my name next to Mickey's silhouette.
My first
DVC guide pushed OKW. I was told it was the most desirable and difficult resort to book. Moreover, with the recent extension and current selling price, it was "truly the ideal purchase." After several of these OKW phone conversations, I gave in. When my contract came, I realized that I had been sold and immediately called to cancel. Suddenly, AKV became the topic of conversation and I was scheduled to sign my documents on site the following week.
When I called member services to book a one night stay, using my points to sign my paperwork, I asked the representative about general availability. The cast member's said that everyone calls asking about the 3 B's: Beach Club, BoardWalk and Bay Lake Tower. When I asked about AKV, I was told that it has one of the largest inventories and, like OWK and SSR, was generally available. Called my guide about home resort advantage and the conversation shifted to BLT.
Bought BLT on site. A few days later, when I went to book a reservation, I found out that I did not have enough points for a stay at BLT. My guide did not inform me that the BLT
point chart had been reallocated. I was furious and said I wanted to cancel my purchase.
Later that day, a new guide calls. Again, I want BCV and it is not an option because it is not available. I could go on the waitlist, but would have to pay my deposit upfront and move forward with the purchase even though the points were not yet available. The conversation shifts to VWL because the previous year's points are available and I would be getting double points and prorated dues my first year. At this point, I no longer knew what to think and agreed, again.
After thinking about it, I called a day or two later with the intent to buy a HH contract. Since WDW DVC seemed like such a hassle, I figured I would mainly vacation at HH and visit WDW occasionally. That night, I spoke to my guide, purchased 200 points and finally felt like I had it right.
Two days later, my guide calls and says that the HH points were not available, some type of system error. I gave up and bought a small AKV contract.
Over the past several years, 7 of my 9 WDW vacations have been at AKV and it truly feels like a second home.