How did you decide on the perfect "Home"

[christa112]

Since I am still trying to decide what resort I would to buy into how did you "Home" owners decide where you wanted to buy.

Here is a little background on us. We have been to WDW 2 times since 2005 staying at the ASMo, CBR & POP all 3 times in Sept, most likely when we travel it will be between Aug-Oct. I have three kids ages 9, 7 & 4 and both DH and I really like AKV or WLV.

Anyone have any advise for places to stay with kids my age. I really don't care if we are not in walking distance to parks, we don't mind using WDW transportation. We just really want a kid friendly fun resort.

I would love to hear your stories or comments on how you decided where you wanted to call "Home".

TIA

Christa

 

[drusba]

We originally bought in early 1997 at BWV. At the time, only OKW and BWV were the DVC resorts at WDW. We had actually looked at OKW back in 1990 but did not like the concept of a huge spread out resort without hotel like services. BWV was ideal for us, close to two parks and many restaurants, fairly compact and full hotel services available. We have several add-ons at BWV (including through resales).

We now also own at AKV (since 07). By that time we had decided to no longer buy at BWV because of its 2042 end date and AKV offered 2057 (we are looking to pass this on to our now mostly adult kids). Also an easy choice, the animals, atmosphere and Boma's (one of our favorite buffet restaurants), and full hotel services available.

Right now, I personally would not buy VWL, though also a great resort, if you also like AKV. The end date issue is becoming important particularly for any younger family -- VWL is 2042, AKV is 2057. Also, AKV Kidani offers larger 1 and 2BRs and the 1BR has sleeping for 5 (VWL does not). It is "far" out there by itself but actual design and placement is intentional to make you feel like you are somewhere far away (on a savanna rather than in Florida). Kidani will have the new playground for "kids" (which sounds like it will also attract the parents of those kids), they have kids activities, and transportation is pretty good.

 

[disneymom8589]

When we first bought in 2006, they were selling SSR through Disney, so that's how we got our first "home." Last year, when we were at WDW, we walked through the models of AKV and fell in love with them, so did an add-on! We stayed there last spring and they were beautifully themed! We had a 1 bdrm. SV and it was wonderful watching the animals wander the savanna.

 

[CraftyMouse]

When we bought, our options were OKW, BWV, HH and VB. I knew that we wanted to own right at WDW, but it didn't matter much to me which resort we owned at. We liked both OKW and BWV equally so we went with the one that was cheaper. Even now, with all of the options available for home resort, I'd still go with whichever one gave me the best deal. I like each and every one of the DVC properties and would be happy staying at any of them. We book OKW at the 11-month window and then switch, when we want to, to another resort at the 7-month window. If we get "stuck" at OKW then we're still happy since we love it there.

For us there is no bad resort choice so I'd buy a resale at the property that offered the best deal. If, however, you must stay at one resort in particular (especially if it is one of the smaller properties) then I'd purchase there.

 

[mickeymorse]

For us this was a no brainer. I still remember the first time walking into WL. Now that was WOW. When it came time when we were able to buy a piece of the magic, there was only one place we really wanted. Some people are worried about 2042 and all but DW and I will be in our 70s. If we need to extend, there are other resorts to give us added years. Our first trip is in Jan as owners and I'm looking forward to 34 more years.

 

[starbox]

We bought SSR because it was what was selling at the time, and we got a good deal. I like the lower annual dues. We always intended use our points to stay lots of places, I've never had a problem getting a reservation elsewhere, and we've have stayed at every DVC at least once.

We added on at AKV because I wanted the option of two sleeping spaces in the living area of a one-bedroom. We've got opposite-gender kids that won't want to share a bed forever. We normally stay in studios, but I can see that bigger units are in our future.

If I bought more points now, it would be at SSR hands down. Why? Because the points are a deal resale right now and if I were to buy enough points to stay in a 2-bedroom, I'd want to be able to book a treehouse (which is one accommodation I don't think anyone will be able to get at 7 months).

 

[DisDaydreamer]

If I bought more points now, it would be at SSR hands down. Why? Because the points are a deal resale right now and if I were to buy enough points to stay in a 2-bedroom, I'd want to be able to book a treehouse (which is one accommodation I don't think anyone will be able to get at 7 months).

You are right... Sooo glad for the SSR owners..... Starting to level the playing fields... Go SSR.

 

[ILuvTigger]

When we bought (Dec 2006), we had the choice between AKV and SSR. Our decision was a no brainer, I love animals, and once I found out, about the savanna view I was hooked! It all depends on your family and your likes/dislikes. AKV is perfect for us. Now with Kidani addition, just makes it more perfect. The only negative thing I see about AKV vs WLV is the expiration years. With AKV you/your family will get 15 more years of enjoyment.

 

[smjj]

We bought at OKW because it was the lowest price at the time. We bought from the Timeshare Store and have since added on through them also. We have now stayed at several of the homes but still like OKW best. We lucked out I guess. The lowest price and in our minds the best..smjj

 

[colonialtinker]

We bought resale. We had a contract for AKV but after coming home we just couldn't commit. We took a quick trip down just to check out the other vacation homes. OKW felt more like what we were looking for. We've been back 3 times since we bought our resale. Next trip we will check out the resorts again. I'm hoping DH gets addonitis

 

[TDC Nala]

Beach Club Villas.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Need I say more.

(Didn't work out so well to buy SSR points because it was close to PI.)

 

[christa112]

Thanks for all your info. I really appreciate it. It is definately going to be a difficult decision for us.

 

[Entropy]

About five years ago, we went to WDW for a week long vacation. We stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort and were put in a ground level room. Because it was on a busy walkway, we kept the curtains closed all of the time. The room was cramped and dark. Outside there was a common area patio but the ground had standing water with cigarette butts floating in it as this was also the smoking area. (smokers are generally pigs but that's a different thread)
The entire situation was very un-disney-like especially since our previous Disney trip was to the newly-remodeled Paradise Pier Hotel.
I had been considering buying a DVC membership but they couldn't sell in CA and they weren't even allowed to respond to my inquiries to tell me so.
One morning, We decided to make an appointment to see SSR after passing our 942nd "Best kept secret" kiosk.
Our guide was pleasant enough telling me a lot of things that I had already learned from on-line research. Then we went on the tour of the site. When we got to the one-bedroom suite I was gobsmacked. Living room, jacuzzi bathtub, washer and dryer, kitchen, balcony with no cigarette butts. Right here was where I belonged, not that crappy little shoebox at CBR. I turned to my wife and she had that look that she gets when she sees really glittery jewelry or kitchens with lots of stainless and granite. We played it cool but I coudn't sign the forms fast enough. As opposed to a few other things in life, DVC has lived up to our high expectations and we haven't regretted it for a moment.
Oh, we also got three sets of super fast passes for taking the tour but that was just a bonus.

 

[dallastxcpa]

When we bought we had the option of SSR or a few remaining points when they released the sales center at BWV. We decided on SSR for the extra years. Now, I don't regret it but we were married at WDW in 2003 and stayed in a 2 bedroom at BWV (we are the blended american family). Anyway, I know that at some point we will do an add on for our couples only trips to stay at the BWV and use our SSR points for our large family vacations. Our kids our DD - 28, getting married in May; DS - 24, planning on getting engaged this year; DD 14, a freshman in HS; DD - 12, and thinks she's going on 16. Plus we often take grandma and sometimes my sister , her husband, and their now 8 month old baby .

On a side note I told my sister to get as many trips in before she starts having to pay for park tickets.

 

[snowbunny]

Right now, I personally would not buy VWL, though also a great resort, if you also like AKV. The end date issue is becoming important particularly for any younger family

Respectfully disagree with this. There is no reason to think that members would not be offered an extension to the end date (for a price) same as were OKW members. Given that VWL is the smallest resort by far, with thousands of new SSR and BLT members, *if* VWL is someone's favorite and they want home resort advantage there, it would make sense to buy. (Disclaimer: I own at VWL )

 

[Buckeye Fan]

When we bought, our options were OKW, BWV, HH and VB. I knew that we wanted to own right at WDW, but it didn't matter much to me which resort we owned at. We liked both OKW and BWV equally so we went with the one that was cheaper. Even now, with all of the options available for home resort, I'd still go with whichever one gave me the best deal. I like each and every one of the DVC properties and would be happy staying at any of them. We book OKW at the 11-month window and then switch, when we want to, to another resort at the 7-month window. If we get "stuck" at OKW then we're still happy since we love it there.

For us there is no bad resort choice so I'd buy a resale at the property that offered the best deal. If, however, you must stay at one resort in particular (especially if it is one of the smaller properties) then I'd purchase there.

CraftyMouse hit the nail on the head for me. I love all of the resorts, so when I call to make a reservation, I'm not disappointed if I don't get my first choice. If you will be, I'd suggest purchasing there to guarantee your reservation.

We went with SSR, because we could purchase resale for less, and could get the 2054 expiration date. This was before AKV was announced, and OKW extensions were available. At the end of the day, I love SSR and could spend every vacation there.

If HH is of interest to you, and to a lesser extent VB, you may want to consider purchasing points there for the 8 - 11 month booking advantage. It's very difficult to get reservations at the 7 month window at HH during the summer. I would only consider this if you plan to travel there regularly. While the buy-in points are cheap, the maintenance fees are much higher than the other resorts. Also, they both expire in 2042 (if that matters to you).

Wishing you luck with your decision!

 

[Granny]

I would love to hear your stories or comments on how you decided where you wanted to call "Home".

Christa...choosing a home resort is an important process. Much of the advice depends on your frame of mind. Here is a link to a thread that's a year old, but still has a lot of great advice from a lot of DVC veterans.

Advice on choosing a home resort thread

As you will see, a lot of veteran, knowledgeable people have very different philosophies on choosing a home resort. It depends on whether you really love a specific resort, or are looking for the best financial deal, or are very flexible in where you stay.

Good luck!

 

[bethy]

For us we want our home resort to be at the Grand Californian because we like Disneyland best. So the choice is easy - it's a great resort and will have the only DVC villas at DLR (at least in the near future.) But we wanted a few points at WDW too and so we picked the resort that provided the most different experience from staying at VGC. AKV was it for us. There is no other resort on this continent or in the world like it. Plus our girls adore animals and so that is a bonus in the near term as well.

At VGC will get walking distance to theme parks (especially our own personal Magic Kingdom which is in Anaheim ), fireworks/theme parks views, hustle and bustle of DTD, many close by restaurants, etc. At AKV we will be on safari in what feels like the middle of nowhere. A true immersion experience. With the occasional trip to Epcot and AK and a water park thrown in.

 

[dcfromva]

It took about 10 years before we were ready to buy DVC. We really like the monorail resorts when DS was younger. Then, we booked a last minute trip to WDW (over Christmas) and the only resort available was BC. We fell in love with BC. When they announced BCV, we bought as soon as they opened sales to us.

 

[Jaaron2]

We have two home resorts. We bought AKV first then added on at BCV.

AKV:
Theming
We love Animal Kingdom
Studio can accom. 5 people
longer contract

BCV:
Love the resort
Love the location
Love the pool

We have 250 pts at AKV and 200 at BCV (hope to have 250 at each eventually)