How many of you chose a home resort without having ever been there?

[DougEMG]

I bought SSR and OKW without ever having stayed there or seen what they were like. I bought them both because of the price. I have stayed at both and have enjoyed my stay.

With BWV I had toured the resort and was familiar with its style and theme before I bought, but I bought there because of the location, not the theme of the resort. My next two trips are booked at BWV

 

[moobar25]

I have thought about that and was petitioning my husband to see if we could go for a day or two during F&W with the intent to "house hunt," but he has said that he doesn't want to spend another dime going to Disney without it going towards our investment in the DVC.

I totally see his point.

If we loved YC, we would love BCV or BWV, right? It's not like either of them suck and we'd be miserable or regretful of our decision, right?

Like I said before, YC & BC are very similar & you already know the pool. The views aren't as nice as YC, because the rooms are behind the BC resort. BWV is a little more spread out and has a different feel. But your 100pts will go a lot further there.

As far as the new car, new dress, etc... The big difference is that if you don't like your home resort you can always stay elsewhere no problem. You get BWV and you can use those points to stay at any other DVC resort - can't do that with a new car, dress, or what have you.

 

[ELMC]

As far as the new car, new dress, etc... The big difference is that if you don't like your home resort you can always stay elsewhere no problem. You get BWV and you can use those points to stay at any other DVC resort - can't do that with a new car, dress, or what have you.

Obviously it's not a direct comparison, but it does help gauge how a person makes decisions. That being said, I would be careful about making blanket statements such as "you can always stay elsewhere no problem". First off, the only thing guaranteed in your DVC contract is the right to stay at your home resort. Anything else can be taken away (although it's not likely). Second, although there have been many success stories, there are also many people who have posted that they haven't been able to book another resort they wanted on the exact day the 7 month window opens. I wouldn't call that "no problem".

 

[cz4ever]

This is pretty much how I did it . I went to the doorway to dreams at the local mall . And they had the models there . If you are in a major city they may have a doorway to dreams . I thought it was a nice tour . I then purchased almost a year later after doing some reserch . On a disney cruise.

As an fyi (in general - not aimed @ BDE), the only non-Disney locations for Doorway to Dreams are in NYC and Chicago, and the Chicago location is closing soon. The other locations are at WDW, DLR, and Tokyo Disney.

 

[Missyrose]

I bought BWV without having stayed there. I have toured the model villa though. Basically, DBF and I are Food and Wine Festival nuts and knew we'd want to stay at an Epcot resort for that event. Deciding between BWV and BCV came down to which decor we liked better (BWV) and the atmosphere (BCV is very bustling and has lots of kids vs. BWV is a little quieter and calmer). So ultimately, we chose BWV for our first contract.

We've stayed at Contemporary (but not BLT) and we just closed on a BLT contract. We knew we loved the location of BLT and I've seen enough pictures to know I'd really like the modern decor.

You have to go with your gut. To buy a contract you almost have to triage the factors. Is location most important to you? Is decor? Would you rather have a room that's more like a condo or one that's more like a hotel room.

I'll agree with others that if you're really undecided, then a trip in which you stay at some of your choices would be the best way to make a decision. But if you know what you're looking for in a home resort, then you probably can make a fairly safe decision using the available information. Good luck!

 

[DougEMG]

Obviously it's not a direct comparison, but it does help gauge how a person makes decisions. That being said, I would be careful about making blanket statements such as "you can always stay elsewhere no problem". First off, the only thing guaranteed in your DVC contract is the right to stay at your home resort. Anything else can be taken away (although it's not likely). Second, although there have been many success stories, there are also many people who have posted that they haven't been able to book another resort they wanted on the exact day the 7 month window opens. I wouldn't call that "no problem".

Exactly, I didn't get one of the nights I wanted at BWV for 2013 Mar when I called at the 11 month mark

So you should not assume you are always going to get what you want at 7 months.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I and I purchased direct at AKV in 2009. Sight unseen. We, I guess had always wanted to stay there but were pretty happy in Values. We decide that Disney was a "must do" for us as our annual vacation. In 2009 I approached DH about ownership again and he was more interested. We got our pointswith a several $ discount and stepped in. I wanted SSR because it was cheaper and had a pretty good location--I was ready as the " I just want to own a piece of the magic" girl. Dh awas more hesitant. He wanted AKV. Fine with me. Neither one of us had ever been there but we knew we loved AK so it just "felt" good. I poured over the websites looking at photos and we jumped.

It was the best decision ever...we love how remote it is, the nice pools, good bus service (which we do not mind at all) and especially the decor. I did not care for any of the other decor--including SSR. So it is the best combination for us. We do not have children and have found that our trips to WDW are more relaxed now. We spend more time at the resort snacking out on the balcony, swimming and just participating in some of the activities like the movies by the pool.

For us these were some of the things we considered about the other resorts.
We live of the MS Gluf Coast and were not interested at all in OKW or BCV. VWL reminded DH of days fighting forrest fires confused3) in our national forrests. BLT held no appeal at all with the decor. SSR was huge and so very quiet. DH dosen't like to walk around the boardwalk, so BWV was out. AKV is the place for us and it always feels like home.

Another draw for me was the interior corridor at AKV--I prefer the more hotel feel than the condo feel.

Would I buy sight unseen again or recommend it, no. But I feel after seven trips we had a good idea of what we wanted and the photos were all I really needed to assure me. I will also definitley buy resale for our add-on.

 

[htmlkid]

We initially signed a contract on a DCL cruise for 160 BLT points at $120pp. When I got home I began researching and found the resale market. I called DVC to cancel the contract and wound up purchasing 250 points at SSR for $50 pp ( got 90 more points and saved almost $6,000 and we have never stayed there yet. We have done Wilderness Lodge, BLT, AKV, Aulani, BWV and BCV and as long as your flexible it doesn't matter where you but. Why SSR you might ask, its cause of the MF which are one of the lowest around at $4.71 and over time, as those fees rise, that could be a big cost.

Lastly I will say that 150 points go real fast and I feel that 250 should be a minimum purchase. We are actually debating weather to purchase more or just rent them.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I will say that its really hard to find people who regretted their DVC purchase.

 

[k3chantal]

My husband and I are pouring over the boards and other info trying to make a good decision this upcoming spring when we buy our membership. The biggest obstacle for us is that we have absolutely fallen in love with vacationing at Disney, but we have only been there twice (no childhood trips for either of us). We took our family in 2009 and stayed in a vacation home off property, and then this past June on property at the Yacht Club. We have done a ton of research into Disney--DVDs, books, internet, etc., so we feel like we know a lot about the parks and the resorts, but we haven't stayed anywhere other than the Yacht Club.

While we feel absolutely comfortable investing into the DVC, we are definitely meeting with a little hesitation into our choice of deciding where to make our initial investment simply because we haven't stayed on other spots on property and aren't seasoned Disney veterans. We loved the Yacht Club. We loved being so close to Epcot (and being so close to Hollywood Studios), we loved the theming, we loved the whole area around Crescent Lake, etc. and we spent a ton of time researching and deciding where we were going to stay on property for that past trip. Since we have primarily vacationed in Cape May and Ocean City, New Jersey and along other points in New England, while it doesn't feel like the shore, the whole area does have that reminiscent feel of New England that appeals to both of us and makes us feel like we're on vacation.

Initially, we were leaning strongly towards getting a BCV contract (and we were going to buy all of the points we wanted and do it through Disney and finance it); however, we are now leaning more towards getting two contracts on the resale market: One for 100ish points this upcoming spring, and another a year or two later for another 125ish points. Initially, those first 100 points were going to be at BCVs with us deciding where to do the second contract at a later date; however, after a little more thought and consideration, we are thinking about making our first contract buy into BWVs because the contracts are about $10 less per point, and we feel like there's probably more availability over there, and a little more flexibility with room views/fewer points needed for stays. However, other than walking by the resort on the Boardwalk, we didn't stay there, and we really don't have any idea of what the resort is like. We've looked at countless pictures and You Tube videos and such, and while it all looks great from what we've seen (other than the scary clown slide) and really not TOO incredibly different than Yacht Club (if the Beach Club is Yacht Club's sister, I would say that Boardwalk is like a cousin?), it's just really hard to fork out this kind of cash without having stayed there before.

Also, I can say with certainty that there are a few resorts that don't appeal to me, but there are several others outside of the Boardwalk area that do. What if we loved OKW or SSR or the convenience of BLT? We really have no clue because we've never stayed anywhere else other than the YC.

Did you all make a decision on your home resort by staying there a few times? Did you buy without staying there? How do you come to a decision and feel good about it if you didn't?

We bought AKL as a home resort without ever setting foot on the property. Kidani Village wasn't even open to stay there, of course Jambo house was. We felt 'good' about it because we didn't know better. We were excited about being about to make this huge purchase outright, did not know that there was resale available as an option, and just plain naive. With that said, it has worked out very well for us. We love Kidani Village but would only stay there if we have a savanna view.

So yes, you do take a risk and now that I know better I wouldn't advise that you take the risk. My advise would be to rent some points and actually stay at the resorts you think interest you. Ironically enough, the first time we used our points we stayed at VWL and LOVED it. Had I known about resale then I probably would have directed my husband that way. But hopefully in the future we can make a second more knowledgable purchase.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

We bought BW without ever having been to the Epcot resort area. But we bought a dozen years ago, there were fewer choices, and it was what worked with the budget we had at the time and the choices available. (Going resale, VWL had just sold out and was priced high, BWV and OKW was what was available, BCV was being actively sold) We've been happy with it.

Note that the YC, the BC, the BCV, the BWI and BWV are five separate resorts in some ways. You won't find Yacht Club decor in a Beach Club villas room. The YC is a hotel, BCV and BWV are timeshares - and there are essential differences. But if what you liked was the location - close to Epcot, close to the Studios, all those resorts provide that.

 

[duckygirl]

We bought our first DVC contract at BLT in 2009 - direct. We did not see it before we bought it!

However, our vacations had always been at either the Poly or Contemporary for years, so we knew that the location was perfect for us.

We have since added on another contract, plus are waiting to close on our third! We love the monorail, so it is a no brainer for us!

We have also really enjoyed BCV and VGC.

DH and I booked an anniversary trip next month at BWV!

All in all, we chose BLT because it is our favorite location, decor, layout, etc., and want the 11 month window there.

If you are familiar enough with the World, you will know what is right for you.

 

[ELMC]

We initially signed a contract on a DCL cruise for 160 BLT points at $120pp. When I got home I began researching and found the resale market. I called DVC to cancel the contract and wound up purchasing 250 points at SSR for $50 pp ( got 90 more points and saved almost $6,000 and we have never stayed there yet. We have done Wilderness Lodge, BLT, AKV, Aulani, BWV and BCV and as long as your flexible it doesn't matter where you buy.

This is a great point. If you are flexible, then using SSR points to stay at the more expensive buy in resorts is a fantastic deal. But if you're like me and want a standard studio at BWV during F&W or a standard room at BLT, it might be better to suck up the extra cost and just buy there.

I would add that not only do you have to be flexible, but relaxed as well. I know that I would get a bit stressed out during the time between the 11 and 7 month booking windows.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I will say that its really hard to find people who regretted their DVC purchase.

Sorry, but I would have to really, really disagree with this statement. I would suggest that you need look no further than the resale listings for AKV and BLT to find owners who regret their purchase. These people are selling after only a few years of ownership, and many of them are unable to get what they owe on their loans because the resale market is priced well below what they are asking. The person from whom I bought my BLT contract owned it for two years, never used it, made all of his monthly payments and still had to come up with cash at the closing. I would infer that he, as well as the majority of the people on that list, regret their purchase.

 

[Sandisw]

We did and we didn't. When we decided to buy, it was because they were building BLT. We knew we wanted this one because CR had been our resort of choice as cash guests and the walk to MK--my favorite park--is wonderful.

Since the only option was direct, we weren't sure if we were ready to commit to a lot of points so we figured we would buy a small contract....50 points...at VWL, which I thought would be my second choice resort and then add on in 4 to 5 months at BLT when we had a bit more cash on hand. Well, within a week of closing o that contract, I could not wait to add on and got 130 BLT points. I just knew it made sense and that is where I really wanted to own. Two months later, I realized i wanted all BLT points so I could book my entire trip at BLT at 11 months and sold VWL. Took a small loss but was worth it for BLT and got another 50.

Fast forward to our first DVC trip 4 months later. We booked BLT, BWV, and VWL so we could try out the resorts-- it was just me and my three kids all teens so adventurous. Well, I fell in love with the BWV, hated VWL, and without question confirmed BLT is my favorite place!!!

Last year, we bought 150 points at BWV so now, every summer, I can do a split stay between BWV and BLT. I was here in May on a trip that I booked only two months out so I had to try AKV. While it is a absolutely beautiful resort, I missed my favorites and had I owned there, I would be selling because where I stay is the number one priority for me and I would not be happy just anywhere. Having 11 month home resort booking is just too important for me. I would stress just way too much if I had to wait until 7 months to book the ones I wanted.

So, if you are buying sight unseen, I would suggest a smaller contract to start but just the fact that you are wondering what to do, IMO, means you should wait until you can do another trip here, and at least visit the locations.

Good luck!!!

 

[BestDadEver]

T
Sorry, but I would have to really, really disagree with this statement. I would suggest that you need look no further than the resale listings for AKV and BLT to find owners who regret their purchase. These people are selling after only a few years of ownership, and many of them are unable to get what they owe on their loans because the resale market is priced well below what they are asking. The person from whom I bought my BLT contract owned it for two years, never used it, made all of his monthly payments and still had to come up with cash at the closing. I would infer that he, as well as the majority of the people on that list, regret their purchase.

I would think most people that are selling so quick would be because they had a catastrophic life change. Like loosing a job or getting sick . These are things that are out of peoples control . I am sure they arent happy about it , maybe regret the purchase .

Had they not have those issues they probably wouldn't sell for a major loss . I highly doubt someone would do such a thing cause they didnt like the resort .

 

[crisi]

I would think most people that are selling so quick would be because they had a catastrophic life change. Like loosing a job or getting sick . These are things that are out of peoples control . I am sure they arent happy about it , maybe regret the purchase .

Had they not have those issues they probably wouldn't sell for a major loss . I highly doubt someone would do such a thing cause they didnt like the resort .

Once in a great while it happens - we have someone here who sold VWL to own at OKW, even though OKW is easy to book.

But I think you are right. Its the rare exception that someone sells quickly after owning because they don't like the resort. There are other factors at play - major life changes, financial changes, and sometimes just an ill considered impulse purchase on vacation and a year later they are realizing that Cancun sounds better this year.

 

[zeferjen]

I know that many think 'try before you buy' but we did not. We had been to WDW a few times staying at moderate resorts. We bought last year at SSR because we aren't too picky on location and I enjoy the 'thrill of the chase' of trying to book other resorts. We have completed one stay at AKV and have a short VGC stay later this month and a BWV stay scheduled for F&W.

I know that I am still a relative newbie, but for me it has worked out ok. So much so that I just started the process to add on another small SSR contract.

If I ever start to regret our decision, we will sell. This is why I tried to get a good deal on the initial buy-in. Then, if we lose a bit of money on it, I don't really care too much.

 

[dreaming4disney]

We looked into DVC years ago when they were selling BC. Should have purchased then, but waited years until BLT. One of the stoppers for us was that we were a family of 5 and back then needed a two bedroom.
We stayed at mods, poly, yc, bc, bw, and even had a camper that we used at the Fort. After many yearly trips and our kids getting to be teens and outgrowing the camper, we found ourselves still wanting to go to Disney every year. Then came Bay Lake that could put 5 in a one bedroom. We never saw the place until our first trip, but we had a good idea of what to expect.
We love Bay Lake for the proximity to Mk and the monorail. It is bland on the theming but also nice and quiet after the busy parks.

They are all a bit different and everyone has different tastes. Buy where you want to stay. If that is BC then get your points there.
My only regret is not buying sooner.

 

[belias21]

I know that many think 'try before you buy' but we did not. We had been to WDW a few times staying at moderate resorts. We bought last year at SSR because we aren't too picky on location and I enjoy the 'thrill of the chase' of trying to book other resorts. We have completed one stay at AKV and have a short VGC stay later this month and a BWV stay scheduled for F&W.

I know that I am still a relative newbie, but for me it has worked out ok. So much so that I just started the process to add on another small SSR contract.

If I ever start to regret our decision, we will sell. This is why I tried to get a good deal on the initial buy-in. Then, if we lose a bit of money on it, I don't really care too much.

Sounds like you've had relative success booking outside of your home resort; that is encouraging. Like you, I kind of enjoy the 'thrill of the chase.' We're purchasing OKW and I'm perfectly fine staying there, but that doesn't mean I won't be looking around to see what else I might be able to book depending on when we're going.

 

[emilymad]

We bought at SSR without ever seeing it. We had stayed at a lot of other resorts but not in DVC units. There is a huge difference between regular deluxe rooms and DVC rooms. We are fine with the difference but none of the rooms are going to compare to a room at the YC.

I think there are pros and cons at every resort so nothing to us was "perfect". We were married at the Boardwalk so we considered BWV but we hate the parking situation there. We are young so we also didn't want a resort that ended in 2042. I am sure we will stay at BWV at some point and have a fantastic time.

We decided cost was a main factor and saved the money and went with SSR. We have since stayed there twice and love it there. We also rarely plan vacations 11 months out so paying the premium to get the 11 month window elsewhere wasn't worth it to us.

On our last trip we stayed two nights at BLT just to try it out. We didn't think we would like it at all and were sad to leave SSR. Turns out we loved it! It really surprised us. It still wasn't "perfect". We loved the location but not the pool.

I guess what I am trying to say that for us that wasn't going to be a wrong decision no matter what we choose. I am also the person who bought a car without seeing it or driving it. Almost 6 years later and I am still happy with that car so sometimes you just know what the right decision is.

 

[mariafh]

We also bought at BC sight unseen via resale. This was based upon location and having two kids in tweens/teens at that time. Ideal for them to go Epcot and Movie Studios and easy transport to the others. No regrets.