How Do You Determine Location

[jaylensmom]

Quick question from a total newbie who is just in the process of researching DVC...I notice most people own near Disney World...does anyone own near Disneyland...Is there an advantage to own one vs. the other? I live in California so I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial for me to own near Disneyland...I do plan to go to Disney World but since I'm in California I will definitely go to Disneyland more...

 

[chalee94]

yes. most people own at east coast and wdw resorts because until a few months ago, that was all that existed. VGC would probably be a better choice since you'd have easier access if airfares get ridiculous. VGC also has lower annual dues. OTOH, the cost per night in points is really high. you would still have access to booking wdw resorts at 7 months if there is availability.

(all of this assumes you can book at least 7 months in advance and ideally 10-11 months in advance...if not, it may not matter where you own.)

 

[disneynutz]

We lived in California and visited DL often. We love DL but WDW is a "world". WDW is DL on steroids.

Given a choice, I would visit WDW over DL. At WDW you also have a choice of several DVC resorts. At DL you have one with, what is it 60 rooms?

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

Quick question from a total newbie who is just in the process of researching DVC...I notice most people own near Disney World...does anyone own near Disneyland...Is there an advantage to own one vs. the other? I live in California so I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial for me to own near Disneyland...I do plan to go to Disney World but since I'm in California I will definitely go to Disneyland more...

Your "Home Resort" is the resort that allows you to make a reservation up to 11 months in advance. To stay at a different resort you have to wait until 7 months or less to make that reservation. If you plan on making reservations at "The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa" more than 7 months in advance then I would suggest you buy points there.

Jason

 

[DVC Mike]

Read the Choosing Your Home Resort - What to Consider? thread.

 

[thelionqueen]

I thought the comment about WDW is DL on steroids is hilarious! While funny, I don't feel that way at all. If I absolutely had to choose WDW or DL, DL would win every single time!! There are many, many vast differences between the 2 which you need to consider.

IMHO, the simple fact of proximity to DL would make me want to buy there. On top of the fact that there are only 48 villas in CA, it makes it much, much harder to acquire at the 7 month window. You would likely be able to find SOME availability at SOME DVC in WDW as long as you don't plan on going @ Spring Break, Christmas/New Years or Easter.

Once the new and improved DCA is unveiled next year and into 2011 I believe getting into VGC will be next to impossible going forward.

Also, the discounts right not on GCV are INSANE!! Seriously, everyone I know is interested in and/or in the process of owning there. Remember, these incentives end this month so if you're even considering GCV I would get a contract started before the incentive change.

I'm a huge supporter of Walt's original dream and creation, DL, and cannot justify comparing it to WDW, just too much to consider. And, don't get me wrong, I go to WDW every year and own @ BLT (my 1st home) but you can't go wrong with GCV IMHO. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I thought the comment about WDW is DL on steroids is hilarious! While funny, I don't feel that way at all. If I absolutely had to choose WDW or DL, DL would win every single time!! There are many, many vast differences between the 2 which you need to consider.

IMHO, the simple fact of proximity to DL would make me want to buy there. On top of the fact that there are only 48 villas in CA, it makes it much, much harder to acquire at the 7 month window. You would likely be able to find SOME availability at SOME DVC in WDW as long as you don't plan on going @ Spring Break, Christmas/New Years or Easter.

Once the new and improved DCA is unveiled next year and into 2011 I believe getting into VGC will be next to impossible going forward...

I agree about DL. It's a wonderful place. Everything in DL is so close to the next attraction that they fit a whole bunch more into a small space. The Fantasyland area has so many more attractions that are really cool. And CA is also pretty neat. Fantasmic at DL is a much, much better show than at WDW. Except there isn't an auditorium to show it in. When you can fit the Sailing Ship Columbia into a show, now that's a neat show.

The Aladdin show at CA is excellent with the fullsized puppet elephant walking through the audience to the stage.

 

[beccasmom]

For us, it just makes sense to own closer to where we live. Wish we lived even closer, but.... We can get to WDW in 2 hours by plane. And we are fortunate to have a good deal of competition at our home airport, so we've been lucky enough to get decent air fares.

We are looking forward to checking out the DVC resorts in California and Hawaii at some point in time. California is wonderful and we've really enjoyed our trips there (and, of course, Hawaii!).