How do you choose what resort works for you?

[tubtruck]

They all work for me dont have a problem with any one of them, dont have a problem with any onsite accomodation that is delux.

 

[crisi]

I was hoping MG would come in with my "list" - cause I didn't save it.

I would recommend you make a list of the possible features of a resort that interest you. Here are some:

Length of contract
Location
Theme
Decor
Dues
Restaurants within walking distance
Parks within walking distance
Transportation
Parking
Point Value
Room Size
Availability of Special Views
Availability of Grand Villas
Availability of Dedicated Two Bedrooms
Hotel vs. Condo
Atmosphere (busy vs. laid back)
Pool
Perceived availabity at seven months
Buy in cost
Bed types in rooms (OKW studios have two Queens)

(and this is why I wanted my list, I can't remember the rest....but it probably doesn't make that much difference, this will get you started and there are others - childcare on site might make your list).

Now take the list and prioritize them. For some people, theming is VERY important - other people don't really care about theming. We never have a car at Disney, parking is a non issue, but for other people, its a big deal. I don't care about contract length - too old and not planning on passing this to my kids - for other people, its really important.

Now rate the resorts against the attributes - this will be very subjective. A lot of people believe the Epcot resorts have a great location, but there are certainly fans of SSRs proximity to DTD. Most people think SAB is the best pool (it is very cool) but we prefer a pool that its easier to watch kids in. Things like decor are terribly subjective - no accounting for taste. Also keep in mind that things do change - one of the reasons we didn't pick OKW was it didn't have a pool slide when we bought - it does now. BWVs bus transportation has been lousy, but its also been wonderful depending on how Disney is routing buses (and how lucky we get).

Now, multiply the weight against the rating, add them all up and look at the answer - your heart will tell you "Yes!" or "Oh, I really wanted ...." Go with your heart in the end.

Finally, if you can't make plans until a few months out "points is points" - pick a resort with low dues and/or a long contract length.

 

[BroganMc]

Crisi, you know you're supposed to have that list saved on your hard drive for easy reference. Shame on you!

My only advice is that you tour the resorts in person. The rooms are fairly identical between BCV, VWL, BWV and SSR. AKV is similar although slightly bigger and with some variations. OKW is very different. It's possible to walk through rooms at BWV, SSR and AKV. You can see all the resorts simply by planning a meal there. They all have restaurants now.

I was well versed in BCV, BWV, VWL and AKL when I toured SSR last year. Previously I had just seen SSR from DTD's side of the lake, but I've visited DTD enough that I knew the area. So for me it was more about getting the longest contract. Only after I stayed there did I realize how much I preferred the location.

Everyone develops their favorites. And there are valid reasons to chose one resort over another despite your preference of staying. They all have to do with mundane things like supply vs. demand, dues, etc.

I think it would be really hard for me to buy a contract on a resort sight unseen. I need a tangible memory to justify such an expense.

 

[elijahpep]

We loved the cabins and the home away from home atmosphere.

We took the tour at SSR and was completely hooked!!!
Bought that day and have never looked back. WE do look forward a lot now making plans for all the great Disney get ways. All the DVC discounts work in your favor pretty well as a member if you use your points often

~DW

 

[familyfirsttimer]

My only advice is that you tour the resorts in person.
I think it would be really hard for me to buy a contract on a resort sight unseen. I need a tangible memory to justify such an expense.

Thank you for your advice but I guess I started thinking if I was going to go again this year, I'd hate to spend a few thousand on a hotel and THEN decide to buy DVC, I was thinkinkg I might want to start researching it and possibly buy this year...I don't really know right now. I have really opened a can of worms for myself here and I my mind is swimming.
So many of you have given such great advice, I am going to start researching.
thank you again!

 

[coloradodad]

my mind is swimming.

Mine (and my wife's) too. This is tough!!! But fun.

 

[simzac]

Our choice was an easy one. Our favorite non DVC resort is CBR. OKW is the closest DVC theming wise to CBR, thus, that's where we bought. Extra years will do us no good as I will be 83 when our OKW contract expires.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I have always just loved the Wilderness Lodge. For me, it was kind of a no brainer. I knew we would be traveling in peak season, so I wanted the home resort advantage at VWL.

Of course, sometimes I look at the smaller point requirements for BWV standard (and now AKV value), OKW and SSR and start to think, what if ...