How to pick home resort?

[buffy0214]

Hi all!

I've gotten so much information from these great boards. I'm hoping to talk DH into club ownership. My question is how do I know which is the best home resort for us. We have a family of 5, kids 10 and under, so a two bedroom is a must for us.

We have stayed at OKW by renting a reservation from DVC member. We enjoyed it but were glad to have our own car as it is a large resort. Why do alot of people like Beach Club? Is it tough to get reservations even for DVC members at smaller resorts? We normally travel during Oct/early Dec/mid Feb. We are pretty much park-comandos so the food/ammenities (except pool) aren't as important as having that Disney-feel. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

Each resort has its own style and theme. And each has its positives and negatives.

One thing to consider is contract length, Saratoga Springs will expire in 2054, and AKV in 2057. All other current resorts expire in 2042. Will you or your children want a longer contract to enjoy WDW in the future.

Another thing to consider is location, I love OKW...I don't like the "hustle and bustle" of BWV/BCV. Other owners wouldn't think of spending time at a relatively quiet "condo style" resort like SSR and OKW.

Also look at when you normally plan your vacations, if you can regularly plan during the 11 to 8 month priority booking window, then buy at the resort where you want to stay most often to take advantage of that window. If you normally plan your trips 7 months or less from arrival, point are points and you have an equal a chance as any other member to book at any resort.

 

[buffy0214]

So, SS is similar to OKW as far as how quiet it is? Can anyone give me info on WLV? I've only seen pics of it online and the rooms look kinda dark, what do ya'll think?

 

[vandy]

Hi all!

I've gotten so much information from these great boards. I'm hoping to talk DH into club ownership. My question is how do I know which is the best home resort for us. We have a family of 5, kids 10 and under, so a two bedroom is a must for us.

We have stayed at OKW by renting a reservation from DVC member. We enjoyed it but were glad to have our own car as it is a large resort. Why do alot of people like Beach Club? Is it tough to get reservations even for DVC members at smaller resorts? We normally travel during Oct/early Dec/mid Feb. We are pretty much park-comandos so the food/ammenities (except pool) aren't as important as having that Disney-feel. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

Since you say you are pretty much a park comando, then maybe which DVC isn't that important? If it isn't, check the rate charts on this site and find the best value for a 2BR villa. I believe you will find that for most of the year those are OKW, SSR and BWV standard view, in that order.

If theming is more important, then maybe one of the other resorts like BCV, BWV or AKV will be what you want. DVC ownership means you are vacationing more often so in the future maybe you will not be so much of a comando and have more interest in your resort.

 

[Granny]

Stealing unabashedly from crisi, I've always liked the list she compiled for things that can be considered when choosing a home resort. Most of this list is hers plus I've added several of my own:

Expiration date of contract
Purchase price per point
Annual Dues
Points to book
Room sizes
Grand Villa availability
Transportation modes to parks (bus/boat) and timeliness
Walkability to parks/Downtown Disney
Proximity to parks (which is a seperate issue than walkability).
Parking near your room
Integration with Disney CRO Resort
Perceived competition after seven month window opens
Availablity of guaranteed view
Decor
Theming
Restaurants on site
Restaurants in proximity
Availbility of community hall
Availability of child care services
Main Pool/quiet pool
Interior/Exterior hallways
"Feel" of resort (laid back/busy/homey - this will be really subjective)
Transportation
Room service available
Ability to book more than 7 months in advance

You might have some other considerations to add.

Take these items, and rank them in importance to you. Then look at which resorts best fit your desires for the most important aspects. For some, it's all about the money. For others, it's all about location. Still others put theming at the top of the list.

It's a big, but fun, challenge. Like everything else you have to balance what you want out of a DVC ownership. No different than buying a car or a house.

Good luck!

 

[Gopher5]

We are in a similar situation - 3 kids under 10 - and wondered about the same thing. We have decided on SSR.

Our reasoning had to do with length of contract and maintenance fees. I posted on this board wonding if I was being too analytical being concerned about the extra 12 years between BWV and SSR. DW and I are both 37 and we will be about 75 when the contract at BWV is up. Then I thought, if our kids have children at about the same ages we did (I know too analytical) the youngest will be about 6 when the BWV contract is up. At SSR they will be through high school. We thought that was better.

We toyed with the idea of AKV for the extra two years, it sleeps five in a one bedroom and has two bathrooms, but nixed the idea because for us the sale would be after the point price increase and the mainteance fees were higher.

I hope this helps.

 

[Lynne M]

I see that you prefer to travel in October, early December, and mid Feb. You should consider which resorts will be toughest to get into at that time, and if you'd be disappointed if you couldn't get into a certain resort.

Early December is a very, very popular travel time for DVC members. Your chances of getting into BCV, BWV or VWL at 7 months are pretty slim. You should be able to get OKW or SSR if you call at the 7-months date.

October is F&W Festival time. BCV and BWV (the resorts closest to Epcot), will be difficult to get into at 7 months. Even VWL can be pretty tough at that time. OKW and SSR will likely have availability.

Mid-Feb will be a bit easier, I think you'll find at least some availability at all DVC resorts at 7 months.

To sum up, if you'd be happy at OKW or SSR in early December or October, then it really doesn't matter where you buy. If you think you'd prefer one of the smaller resorts, then you should consider looking for a resale for that resort.

Good luck!

 

[Winkle]

I agree, buy the resort that has the most time left on the contract. You can stay at any of the resorts, no matter where you own. You may not always get your number one choice, but chances are you will still be able to stay at some place nice.

 

[crisi]

Thanks, Granny, you saved me from having to type my list (I really should keep it as a file on my computer).

We use that methodology to make decisions at work - weight your attributes (theming might be a 10 - really important, cost of dues might be a 1 - or maybe cost of dues is your 10 and theming is a 0 - who cares about the scary clown slide). Then grade the resorts against you attributes - using 1 - 10 again - remembering that just because I think the Epcot resorts have the best location doesn't mean you have to think the same thing. Multiply it all out. The one that has the highest number wins.

If your answer isn't what you hoped it would be, you'll have your answer - go with your heart.

Winkle - time on the contract isn't at all important to me...I'm old enough not to care and have no desire to pass this along to my kids. I know its vital to others - but we all value different things.

 

[ArRzrbk]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see a response to your question about VWL. I haven't stayed there, but I did go and take a quick self-guided tour. It also struck me as a little dark, but you have to remember the theming... I think it is supposed to be a little dark for effect. Beach Club and OKW - light and airy. BWV - colorful and fun. Wilderness Lodge - dark and lodge-like

 

[DrShifty]

I usually stay at BWV, but on this trip, we split BCV and VWL and are there now. We noticed that the villas are darker than BCV (presumably to give it that rustic feel). It is certainly not "too dark" and it really is a beautiful resort.

 

[tvwalsh]

Don't make the same mistake I made. In spite of having 550 points, I am unable to use more than my 280 OKW points to reserve a grand villa at OKW with the 11 month window. I wish some of my other resort points could be changed into OKW points. I know that I was able to borrow next year's points the first time, but we have reserved the GV each of the last three years. I may have to sell points and buy others, an expensive exercise.

 

[Mtnman44]

Things to consider:
-Oct thru the end of Dec can be very busy times for the DVC properties. If you want to stay at a particular resort during these times, you may want to consider owning your points at that resort so you will have the 11 month booking window advantage.
-For example, Oct thru the first week of Nov will be very very difficult to get a reservation for either the BCV or BWV due to the festival at Epcot.
-Dec is a busy time in general but a high demand season especially for VWL due to Christmas time festivities.

The "lowest total cost of ownership" is arguably at OKW. The resale prices are relatively low. Maint fees are not high compared to the other DVC locations, and the points cost of the rooms are the lowest of all the DVCs. This means you may not need to own as many points in order to stay there vs. the same room at another DVC resort. Add to that the bonus that the rooms are the biggest, (and best floorplan IMHO). The only "downside" compared to SSR or AKV is that the OKW contract does end 12 years earlier. You'll have to decide how much you care about that. It may also have an effect on resale value in a few years vs. the longer contract locations.

Aside for those considerations, I really think you just have to pick the place where you would be happy staying every trip if it was necessary. Availablity at other DVC locations is never a guarantee, it's a perk. VWL is fantastic, wonderful lake, well-themed. OKW is great, good price, and peaceful. BWV and BCV have a great location within walking distance of MGM and Epcot. SSR is big, new, has a spa, and walking distance to Downtown Disney. The new AKV will have a very themed experience with unique views available.

 

[Cricket2]

2x10sd

00-19 - OKW
20-29 - VB
30-39 - HHI
40-49 - BWV
50-59 - VWL
60-69 - BCV
70-89 - SSR
90-98 - AKV
99 - You are eaten by a Griffin

 

[tvwalsh]

2x10sd

00-19 - OKW
20-29 - VB
30-39 - HHI
40-49 - BWV
50-59 - VWL
60-69 - BCV
70-89 - SSR
90-98 - AKV
99 - You are eaten by a Griffin

??????????

 

[Granny]

Thanks, Granny, you saved me from having to type my list (I really should keep it as a file on my computer).

We use that methodology to make decisions at work - weight your attributes (theming might be a 10 - really important, cost of dues might be a 1 - or maybe cost of dues is your 10 and theming is a 0 - who cares about the scary clown slide). Then grade the resorts against you attributes - using 1 - 10 again - remembering that just because I think the Epcot resorts have the best location doesn't mean you have to think the same thing. Multiply it all out. The one that has the highest number wins.

I've got it bookmarked now!

And we are in the process of using the same methodology in choosing a college for my oldest daughter. It is appropriate for a variety of situations (I mentioned housing and vehicles) and provides at least a good starting point for decision making. Most importantly, it takes away the shoot from the hip decision process and makes people work through a decision.

Can anyone give me info on WLV? I've only seen pics of it online and the rooms look kinda dark, what do ya'll think?

VWL definitely has a darker, more woodsy feel to it befitting its theming. I would definitely not buy there unless you are familiar with and really like the theming of WL. We happen to like it, but for others it is not appealing at all.

 

[crisi]

2x10sd

00-19 - OKW
20-29 - VB
30-39 - HHI
40-49 - BWV
50-59 - VWL
60-69 - BCV
70-89 - SSR
90-98 - AKV
99 - You are eaten by a Griffin

??????????

Obviously not a role playing gamer.....

2x10sd = roll two ten sided die, the number you get (they'll be different colored so one will represent the tens place - or one will be a tens place die) determines what happens.

 

[buffy0214]

Ah, now I get it! It's been quite a while since my DND days!

 

[crisi]

Another who loves the look of VWL - but it is more darkly decorated than the other resorts. Not to everyone's taste.

 

[buffy0214]

I guess I will have to try out VWL before I decide. I thought I might like it the most because of it's proximity to MK. I do love the layout of OKW. I spoke with DVC speciallist, or whatever you call them, and they are very helpful and low pressure. At the time we decided against taking the plunge but I am rethinking it again. The AKV have sparked my interest as well.