I have been bitten by the DVC bug...

[wuzzy6]

... and the only cure is to BUY IN!

So, let me back up a little bit and introduce myself, because I have a feeling I'm going to be around a while and would love to become a part of the DIS community. My name is Kelly, but everyone I love calls me Kel - DH is Steve - and we are also known as Mom & Dad to the Fab 4 - Jordan is 18, Ryan is 16, Riley is 12, and Lauren is 10. We are all Florida natives, but we moved to Maine 3 years ago.

We (I, with DH's blessing ) have been doing a ton of research for the last couple of months - couldn't decide if we wanted to be the occasional tourist or if we wanted to make a bigger commitment so we could return as often as we could! Well, with four kids, the DVC really made a lot of financial sense for us, because our membership really will pay for itself very quickly! So, duh - it's really a no-brainer, but I'm not sure why it's taken us this long to finally make up our minds.

So here's where I'm asking (pretty please!!!) for your help - although, I'm sure you have been asked this a bazillion times before... we can't decide which resort to call "Home." For a month, I have given myself multiple headaches poring over the resort information, reviews, DISboards, but haven't made that final decision yet! We know we want to be at WDW, but that's pretty much where we get stumped. So, without further ado...

Where is your home resort?
How did you decide where to call "Home?"
Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?
If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?
Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?
If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?

I have nothing to offer besides my gratitude - I would love to call my poor Guide and tell him we FINALLY decided where we want to buy! So, even if you have no interest in helping me... please have pity on my Guide!

 

[WIDisneyFan]

Welcome Home!

For us......

Where is your home resort? Bay Lake Tower

How did you decide where to call "Home?" We had heard about DVC and looked casually at it for a few years, but loved the Polynesian and being on the monorail so just did not see the value for us. That all changed once we saw Bay Lake Tower and decided to take the tour. We love the location and with 3 kids the added space (vs the Poly) is wonderful

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not? We are thrilled with the decision. We purchased in 2009 and are just about to make our 3rd trip.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort? Bay Lake Tower

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere? So far in 3 trips (2 complete, 1 in less than a week) we have stayed at Bay Lake Tower twice and Animal Kingdom Lodge once

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why? For us the most loved is Bay Lake Tower and it is location, location, location. As I mentioned before we used to stay at the Polynesian and love being close to the Magic Kingdom and on the monorail. As for the least, I really do not have a good answer.

If you have any specific questions on our experience I would be happy to share so feel free to ask away!

 

[DVCconvert]

Where is your home resort?

===>My first was BWV, then added VB, then added OKW

How did you decide where to call "Home?"

===>Love epcot & the F&W fest, so that's why BWV at first. Then visited VB and fell head over heels in love with the place, espeically the Beach Cottages, Also stayed and OKW and again fell in love with it, the feel of the place sold us on OKW



Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?

===>Yes (except for the ton-o-dues! )

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?

===>Wouldn't change, but proably would have got more OKW points and less BWV

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?

===>after having got a lot of VB points, yes, proably. But over the years we've switched mostly to staying at either VB or OKW

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?

===>I love VB & OKW equally - they both have a laid back feel, nice water/pool options, good places to eat, large rooms. Of our DVC stays our least fav has been BLT - we much perfer to stay in the CR due to the history, feel and monorail/eatery access.

 

[chalee94]

Where is your home resort?

OKW

How did you decide where to call "Home?"

i like that OKW studios have 2 queen beds and that is all i need at the moment. i also liked that the resales were a little cheaper, the dues are a good value (though not as low as BLT) and the points per night are a good value.

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?

yes. things have worked out pretty much as expected.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?

i'd still pick OKW for my first contract. if i add-on, i will probably also look at resales for SSR contracts (inexpensive like OKW with a longer term) and AKV contracts (for better access to value and concierge villas - i love jambo house).

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?

in my 5 years or so of ownership, it's mostly split between OKW and AKV-jambo house with a stay at BLT thrown in. (that was very expensive - wouldn't do it every time but completely worth it to do at least once.)

i book OKW at 10-11 months out and then try to switch at 7 months if i want to try something else. riding the waitlist can add a little uncertainty - and once i didn't get what i waitlisted for. but the worst case scenario is winding up at OKW, so that's not a problem...

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?

i love BLT, OKW and AKV for different reasons. they all have a different vibe...different smells and sounds... (i did stay in BLT shortly after it opened so i didn't have issues with the furniture being marred the way some have reported it later.)

i rented pts to stay at SSR for my first DVC trip (i had just bought my OKW contract but hadn't stayed anywhere yet.) i loved the design of the rooms and quality of the furnishings but i'd have to call it my least favorite, since it seems relatively similar to OKW but with higher pt per night costs.

(when my dad comes along, he likes OKW and SSR best since they provide easy access to golf at the LBV course.)

anyway, here is a thread for more info about choosing a home resort.

 

[Antonius215]

Where is your home resort? Animal Kingdom - Kidani Village - but since buying in 2008 we have yet to stay there.

How did you decide where to call "Home?" That's what they had on sale at the time - it hasn't really mattered (yet) for us because we have been very happy wherever we have stayed

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not? YES!!!! We were a little concerned over the cost and all - did we make the right decision? - but as soon as we checked in at our first stay (Saratoga Springs) we LOVED it and have never regretted our decision.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort? Like I said, it hasn't mattered for us, we live in Florida and are more flexible with when and where we stay.

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere? We have stayed at Saratoga Springs twice , Old Key West. Staying at The Boardwalk next weekend and then back to Old Key West in August. We had booked at AKV, but had to cancel at the last minute. I would really love to stay at Bay Lake Tower next.

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why? Loved both places we've stayed - a lot! We have visited a lot of others and they seem just as nice. They each seem to have certain positives. OKW units seem to be a bit larger, BWV walk to EPCOT, SSR boat to Downtown Disney, etc.

After spending time on the boards here and doing more research I would highly recommend looking into buying points from the resale market. When we add on points we will definitely go that route. We also own at Wyndham and have stayed a few times at Bonnet Creek, which is also great.

 

[Kdisney]

Hi Kel,

Congrats on your big decision, you will not regret it and your kids will love it.

Where is your home resort? HHI
How did you decide where to call "Home?" We can get to HHI a little easier than WDW and when we have a school age child (ours is 3 now) we want to go during the summer. Right now we are vacationing in the 'off season' while we can and he doesn't have school obligations.
Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not? Yes! We adore HHI but have LOVED every DVC resort we have stayed in.
If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?I would not do over anything. You will probably find you want to add points. We have not had any problem getting a ressie where we want, even at Christmas. If I was going to add points, I would probably choose AKL because I adore it.
Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere? Not so far.
If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why? I have loved them all but have only stayed at OKW, AKL and HHI. I have been completely impressed with all of them, it's VERY hard to stay at a regular hotel after staying at DVC properties.

We also choose HHI because it was a bit cheaper (we bought resale but through DVC) and so far, it hasn't made a bit of difference.

 

[Tiger926]

Saratoga Springs & Animal Kingdom Villas[/B]

How did you decide where to call "Home?" When we purchased, SSR was the only new resort being sold. We liked being close to Downtown Disney, and the pretty theming at the resort. We purchased AKV a few years later, as this is hubby's and youngest child's fav resort. We really like both of them very much!

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not? Despite the fact that we like both resorts, we also have fallen in love with Old Key West, and Boardwalk Villas. We have been lucky to stay at both several times at the 7 month window, and even at the 2-3 month window.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort? We would choose Old Key West or Boardwalk, as the points needed are very reasonable. Love the relaxed feel of Old Key West, and love the Epcot area. We don't like that SSR costs more points, as this means borrowing for our 2 yearly 2 week trips as we only stay in 1 bedrooms. We also have 2 contracts at 175 and 185 points, and find this is a problem for us, as we go for 2 weeks each summer, and despite used to loving split stays (check my Signature!), we don't anymore. We want to stay in 1 villa for the whole 2 weeks, but that proves to be difficult, especially with Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk.

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere? No, we haven't stayed at SSR in a few trips (we have stayed there the most though), and we have stayed elsewhere as of late. This coming trip, we are at Old Key West for 5 nights, and AKV for 8 nights!

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why? Fav resort for hubby/me - Old Key West, DD - Wilderness Lodge and DS - Animal Kingdom Lodge. Don't really have a least fav. Haven't stayed at BLT yet, but have stayed at Contemporary 2x, and haven't stayed at Treehouse Villas yet, but have stayed at all others multiple times. Don't really have a least fav, but for hubby & I would probably be Wilderness Lodge, as it's starting to show wear & tear, and has some horrible views!

I have nothing to offer besides my gratitude - I would love to call my poor Guide and tell him we FINALLY decided where we want to buy! So, even if you have no interest in helping me... please have pity on my Guide!

Welcome to the DIS - the DVC boards are the best!!!

Tiger

 

[DMKEDM]

...
So here's where I'm asking (pretty please!!!) for your help -

Where is your home resort? SSR and BCV

How did you decide where to call "Home?" SSR was what our guide was selling when we signed up for a tour, and we loved it. Didn't even think about buying elsewhere

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not? Yes! We bought in 2006 (and have done several add-on's); have taken at least 20 (I've lost count!) trips since then. Much has changed and I've learned a lot ... that means there are some things I liked better the old way (and some things I like better the new way!), but in general I'm very happy I own DVC points.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort? I might have a few more points at BCV--but then again, maybe not...we like to do BCV at T-giving at least every other year, and that requires home resort priority...but I'm bad at "saving points" (I'm fully borrowed-out pretty much all the time), so this year I had to do some "fancy planning" to get my T-giving BCV reservation for T-giving at 11 months...

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere? We've stayed (multiple times) in every WDW DVC except Wilderness Lodge...love them all and love variety more than anything else...a few times we've wound up at the same resort 2-3 trips in a row (for availability reasons, or because the guests we took wanted a particular place, or for "saving points" reasons (e.g., we go over Labor Day each year and book BWV Standard View both because the family we take on this trip prefers Epcot area and because it's an "expensive points" trip, so SV at BWV saves us a lot)...

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why? For me, it's a toss-up between SSR and BCV--for my DS, it's a toss-up between AKV and BCV...Hard to say why--some combination of location, theming, "feel" and the attachment that comes with a build-up of grand memories. My least favorite is BWV--but note I stay there at least twice each year and I love it. I just love the others more. It ranks "least" because every other resort (in my experience, and it's different for everyone) has friendlier, more helpful CMs...

One point for you to consider about which you did NOT ask: If you truly wind up thinking "I want to be at WDW and the specific resort is not a huge factor," then consider buying either for points value (OKW or one of the resorts w/"cheap" options (BWV SV or AKV Value, for example)...or buy "small and popular" (BCV and Wilderness Lodge)...the 11-month priority is worth a LOT more for villas that are few in number (SV and Value, e.g); and at smaller resorts--for example, at BCV as compared to SSR (or AKV or OKW)...just because SSR (and OKW and AKV) are so much bigger that availability doesn't "disappear" as quickly...

Good luck with your choices, and welcome both to the DIS and to the Club!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Instead of buying directly from Disney, consider a resale. You'll save money. And since using points outside of DVC isn't the best use of your points, you'll get a great deal and be able to use those points at DVC resorts.

Make sure you buy at the resort you'll want to stay at the most. There is no guarantee that you'll be able to switch to another resort at 7 months out (it seems to get harder as DVC gets larger).

 

[alanapapa]

... and the only cure is to BUY IN!

So, let me back up a little bit and introduce myself, because I have a feeling I'm going to be around a while and would love to become a part of the DIS community. My name is Kelly, but everyone I love calls me Kel - DH is Steve - and we are also known as Mom & Dad to the Fab 4 - Jordan is 18, Ryan is 16, Riley is 12, and Lauren is 10. We are all Florida natives, but we moved to Maine 3 years ago.

We (I, with DH's blessing ) have been doing a ton of research for the last couple of months - couldn't decide if we wanted to be the occasional tourist or if we wanted to make a bigger commitment so we could return as often as we could! Well, with four kids, the DVC really made a lot of financial sense for us, because our membership really will pay for itself very quickly! So, duh - it's really a no-brainer, but I'm not sure why it's taken us this long to finally make up our minds.

So here's where I'm asking (pretty please!!!) for your help - although, I'm sure you have been asked this a bazillion times before... we can't decide which resort to call "Home." For a month, I have given myself multiple headaches poring over the resort information, reviews, DISboards, but haven't made that final decision yet! We know we want to be at WDW, but that's pretty much where we get stumped. So, without further ado...

Where is your home resort?
How did you decide where to call "Home?"
Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?
If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?
Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?
If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?

I have nothing to offer besides my gratitude - I would love to call my poor Guide and tell him we FINALLY decided where we want to buy! So, even if you have no interest in helping me... please have pity on my Guide!

Hi,
Caro & I are owners at AKL and SSR. We bought at AKL while on a DCL trip and that was what was offered, we added on later at SSR to be able to have 11 month availability at THV. We had toured DVC back in '91 and wished we could have afforded then, but as Caro was a CM at DLR we didnt think we needed to.

We LOVED staying at the AKL last Xmas, seeing the animals right outside your room is fantastic. We also stayed at the THV and it was as wonderful as we had hoped. We had stayed at POR in Dec 2008 and watched some of the units being constructed. We had always wanted to stay in one while Caro was a CM.

Caro has no desire to stay at BLT, and the decor does not do much for me, but location does.

We have also been able to stay a couple of times at VGC (much quicker, cheaper flights from Seattle) and love it.

 

[JimmyJam838]

Where is your home resort?

VGC


How did you decide where to call "Home?"

We love the Grand Californian Hotel and with high room prices their it made sense to purchase VGC.

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?

I am very happy with the decision. I usually wake up much earlier than other family members, so with the extra room when we are in a 1 or 2 bedroom, I can get up and relax in the living areas without disturbing everyone else.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?

VGC still. If they build the rumored DVC at the Disneyland Hotel, it would be a hard decision if we only had to choose one.

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?

We've only stayed at our home resort as we have not visited WDW since we've owned VGC.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

First, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Buying in is one of the best decisions we've ever made. I'll touch on this later, but if you buy via resale, it's one of the best times to buy in, as prices are really low right now (and may go lower) compared to what they have been. Also, for what it's worth, I have stayed at all of the DVCs on property (most multiple times) with the exception of Bay Lake. So many things go through my head in trying to answer your questions, but I'll do my best not to overwhelm you with information.

Where is your home resort?

Old Key West and Vero Beach. I used to own at Saratoga Springs, but sold and repurchased because I hated my use year. This isn't an issue for most people, so other than reading information on it before you buy, you should be fine.

How did you decide where to call "Home?"

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are DVC owners as well. We had stayed at the values mostly, but went with them and stayed in a 1-BR at OKW. I fell in love with OKW and SSR.

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?

I am probably among the minority on the boards. I can honestly say I would be happy to call any of the DVC resorts home. DH likes the "hotel" style resorts, and I like the condo style. We love to resort hop, so I would be disappointed if Disney ever said I couldn't hop anymore.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?

OKW. While I miss staying at the others, I really miss OKW when I haven't been there in a while. It is my little slice of heaven on earth.

Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?

We hop, and love hopping. Each resort offers us a different vacation feel. It keeps WDW fresh.

If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?

Tough one. My favs in order are OKW/SSR (toss up), BCV, VWL, BWV and AKV. I'm not commenting on BLT since I haven't stayed there. DHs would probably be BWV/BCV, VWL, SSR, OKW and AKV. We loved AKV, but it seemed a little too remote and again, being in the minority, didn't care for the food choices there. Will I stay there again, though? Absolutely! Probably on the next trip or two.

I have nothing to offer besides my gratitude - I would love to call my poor Guide and tell him we FINALLY decided where we want to buy! So, even if you have no interest in helping me... please have pity on my Guide!

Do your research and consider resale. Most people only use their points to stay at DVC properties, so the limitations on resale contracts aren't that impactful. With resale, you can still DVC hop and book through RCI, you just can't book a cruise or go on Adventures by Disney trips. Most people will say these options are a waste of points anyway, and you'd be better off renting your points and paying cash for the option. Depending on which resort you pick, you'll save as much as $30 - $50 per point. You can either buy in for much less, or buy a lot more points for the same cost. Also, no matter who you buy from, keep in mind that Disney has one obligation to you. To allow you, based on availability, to book at your home resort. Everything I mentioned above are "perks" and can be taken away at any time. So to that point, people are going to tell you to buy where you want to stay.

To me, it boils down to this:
1) What area appeals to you? DTD (OKW/SSR)? BW, Hollywood Studios and Epcot (BWV/BCV)? Animal Kingdom (AKV)? or MK (VWL/BLT)?
2) Does contract term mean anything to you? Some expire in 2042 and others much later (2054+). Not sure of your age, but for DH and me (43 and 41)...Did we really want to be paying maintenance fees in our 70s/80s? Do we want to assume that our kids would even want to own it until 2054 - 2060?
3) Are maintenance fees a concern? Some resorts are much lower than others. Be careful with buy-in price. The price per point may seem enticing, but by the time you pay the higher MFs through the years, the overall ownership cost is much, much higher.
4) Can you book 8 - 11 months in advance? Your home resort priority only benefits you if you can book 8 - 11 months out. If you can't, some will advise to buy a WDW property for as cheap as you can get it.

Keep asking your questions! As I said, I don't regret buying in for a moment (bought in 2007). In fact, we leave for BCVs in 11 days! It's a 10 day trip in a 2-BR this time! I can't wait.

P.S. to the Disboards!!!

 

[wildernessDad]

Where is your home resort?
We own at VWL, AKV and GCV

How did you decide where to call "Home?"
I guess we're "Lodge animals."

Are you happy with your decision? Why or why not?
We're pretty happy, yes.

If you could get a "do-over" which would you choose to be your home resort?
I guess we'd add on at OKW if it was in the cards, keeping our existing home resorts.


Do you find that you mostly stay at your home resort, or do you usually stay elsewhere?
Mostly at our home resorts.


If you have made it this far, would you please share which resort you love the most - which you love the least, and why?
That's a loaded question around here, but I like VWL the most.

 

[wuzzy6]

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer my questions and share your insight on things - and for the warm welcome! I am so excited, and I cannot wait until we finally make that last little decision about where "home" will be! Thanks again!!!

 

[dapod423]

Since everyone else gave you great answers to your question I will just answer the Home Resort and why?

We chose AKV for our home resort. At the time they were selling AKV and BLT. We toured the Preview Center and my husband right away wanted BLT. I was uneasy about it. Our guide looked at me and said "What do you think?" I took a minute and said "BLT is what I want my home to look like. AKV is where I want to go on vacation." She understod what I meant and luckily so sis my husband. But what is great is that you aren't locked in to your home resort.

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

wilcome home kelly

 

[wuzzy6]

I took a minute and said "BLT is what I want my home to look like. AKV is where I want to go on vacation."

I, too, understand exactly what you mean! In fact, I think you actually just helped me to figure out why I've been so hesitant to jump on BLT. I love everything about it - the proximity to MK, the room decor, the views, etc... but you just nailed it for me! BLT is what I want my home to look like (not that it does, mind you! ) but it doesn't exactly scream "Disney Vacation!" does it?!

I really want to be immersed in the experience, which is why we want to stay on-site. We could easily stay with multiple family members, all of whom live an hour or less from WDW, but that's not what we're going for! Hmmm... thank you for your insight!

Buddybear, thank you!