I know: Buy where you want to stay...but...

[Dodie]

In weighing all of the info regarding resale vs. direct from Disney, the financing issue, etc., we need some opinions/info.

We love VWL. There are only 2 of us. We don't have to travel at peak time. 150 points would be sufficient for us. There are resales available.

However, it seems that the financing seems simpler via Disney directly. Of course, that means buying into Saratoga Springs. Right? Is it possible to buy the older resorts directly from Disney - or is there some sort of waiting list for these.

If you own one resort but typically prefer to stay elsewhere, aside from the booking window thing, have you had problems? Is it hard to get your preference if you don't do "spring break" or Christmas travel?

Experiences?

 

[SharonS]

I personally feel it is best to buy where you wish to stay. Would you be disappointed if you bought Saratoga Springs, hoping to stay at WLV, and then were unable to get into WLV? I think you must answer this question honestly. If you would be ok with staying at Saratoga if you couldn't get into WLV, then I would say go ahead and buy there.

While folks can share their experience so far, those could change based on the opening of Saratoga Springs. If alot of people buy in there hoping to trade out at the 7 month window, then it could become very difficult and any time of year to get in to the smaller DVC resorts, such as BCV and WLV.

 

[CarolMN]

The only time that I would recommend someone NOT buy where they want to stay the most, is when they are unable to plan more than 7 months ahead of arrival.

If you will consistently make your reservations less than 7 months ahead of time, it doesn't matter which resort you buy. At that time, a point is a point is a point!

Best wishes -

 

[sunan]

We didn't finance our resale, but there are some useful threads on this board. Folks have gone the home equity route, credit cards, credit card checks, Tammac financing. Do a search (on Tammac, for example) and check out what others have done.

I agree: buy where you want to stay.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by Dodie
We love VWL. There are only 2 of us. We don't have to travel at peak time.

You've got to be careful with this concept of "Peak" time. Disney's Peak Season does not necessarily coincide with high volume periods at DVC. For example, arguably the single most difficult period to book is the early part of December. These couple of weeks fall into the "cheapest" DVC season (in terms of points needed to book a room), yet the overall crowds at WDW are very low.

If you buy into SSR and do plan your trips longer than 7 months out, the best course of action you will find is to book your dates at SSR as early as possible, and then try to change to another resort when the 7 month window arrives. You may find yourself having to go on the waitlist if there is no availability.

In the end, a lot of it comes down to your expectations. If every trip you take in which you CANNOT get into VWL will be considered a let down, then you need to buy points at VWL. But if you can live with the realization that some trips you will get VWL and others you may get SSR, BCV or another property, then I think you will be fine.

Just remember VWL is the single smallest DVC resort and will always be difficult to book at 7 months (or less.)

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by Dodie
We love VWL.

If you really have an affinity for a resort, I think it's best that you buy there if possible.

SharonS proposed the appropriate litmus test....if you can't get into VWL for a trip, would you be disappointed staying at SSR?

Also, 38 (or 50) years is a long time...who knows if your travel plans might change and you want to experience WDW during some busier times.

If you hadn't said that you two "love VWL", then I'd say maybe it's not as important for you where you buy. If you're in the group of dyed-in-the-wool WL fans, then I'd advise trying to find a resale to purchase there.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Kelly Nelly]

Originally posted by tjkraz
You've got to be careful with this concept of "Peak" time. Disney's Peak Season does not necessarily coincide with high volume periods at DVC. For example, arguably the single most difficult period to book is the early part of December. These couple of weeks fall into the "cheapest" DVC season (in terms of points needed to book a room), yet the overall crowds at WDW are very low.

If you buy into SSR and do plan your trips longer than 7 months out, the best course of action you will find is to book your dates at SSR as early as possible, and then try to change to another resort when the 7 month window arrives. You may find yourself having to go on the waitlist if there is no availability.

In the end, a lot of it comes down to your expectations. If every trip you take in which you CANNOT get into VWL will be considered a let down, then you need to buy points at VWL. But if you can live with the realization that some trips you will get VWL and others you may get SSR, BCV or another property, then I think you will be fine.

Just remember VWL is the single smallest DVC resort and will always be difficult to book at 7 months (or less.)

I really do not agree with you about VWL. I have actually found it to be one of the easiest to get into next to OKW. Just last year at Spring Break, my family and I were staying at OKW and decided half way through to maybe switch it up and try to get into VWL. I got on the phone to MS and wham we were in just like that. I know this does not work all the time but I have found that through experience so far that VWL is not that hard to get into.

 

[erikthewise]

If you have any alternative to Disney financing, you should probably use it. The difference between a 4% home equity and 10% Disney financing for a 10-year loan is nearly enough to pay your annual dues! The difference is less dramatic in other scenarios but still worth avoiding if possible.

 

[jarestel]

I think if you buy anywhere, make sure you aren't going to be disappointed if it turns out you actually have to stay there from time to time. It doesn't really matter how successful people have been with 7 month windows up till now, 5-10-20 years from now it may be totally different. If you find yourself staying at your home resort and wishing you were at VWL, you're likely to start questioning your purchase.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

The only resort you can buy from DVC without being an existing member is SSR. You might be able to add VWL later but that's only if the points are available from DVC in the future. If VWL is the resort you prefer over the others...find a way to make it work using the resale market.

If you see a VWL listing that is appealing, you better jump on it right away as it is a very popular resort that sells quickly.

Good luck with your decision!!!

 

[eporter66]

This debate always pops up on the board from time to time. It is interesting, we bought into SSR because we love being in WDW. We had never stayed in a DVC resort, but seeing the rooms - we knew they were great.

I think it was best stated by saying if you could not book VWL would you be disappointed? That is the best way to look at it.

We bought into DVC for a number of reasons and one of those was for flexibility. I really dont care where I stay, but with that being said - I do want to try as many (if not all) of the resorts at some point.

I personally would not be disappointed if I was only to stay at SSR. Our plans have us going to WDW about once every 2 years. So - the fact that we get to go and stay in a luxury resort is good enough for me.

Eric

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Although it has been reported that the waitlist rules have recently changed, that is still an option to buy VWL from Disney.

Not only is VWL the smallest on-site DVC, but as with all DVC resorts it will only get harder and harder to book at the 7 month window as the DVC membership increases.

Good luck...

MG

 

[raparker13]

Our experience has been that if you can be flexible on your dates, then you'll be ok. We own HHI, but mostly use the points at VWL or OKW. We even were able to book last Christmas at OKW. Children grown, so we aren't constrained by school dates.

 

[crisi]

According to MS, VWL is the hardest to get if you don't own there.

Which doesn't mean it won't happen....and it may even happen consistantly for you.

I suspect once SSR is sold, it will be much harder to book the smaller DVC resorts if you don't own there. BCV and VWL both have great selling points for stays...and there will be that many more members competing for the fewer rooms at seven months.

 

[disneycrazed139]

I agree with the poster who said that if you don't plan more than 7 months out, it makes absolutely no difference where you buy. This is a point to keep in mind. Some people just don't plan that far in advance.

 

[jarestel]

Originally posted by disneycrazed139
I agree with the poster who said that if you don't plan more than 7 months out, it makes absolutely no difference where you buy. This is a point to keep in mind. Some people just don't plan that far in advance.

Agreed, but in that case you are willing to take anything that's available when you make your reservation. The OP was planning on booking a specific resort at 7 months.

 

[garylpn]

dw and i took the other path, we got tired of waiting out a bcv addon, i was always missing the bcv resales, one went the other day 12 minutes after it hit the website, so we are currently waiting out rofr on 2 contracts, 1 okw, 1 bwv, we stayed okw last year and liked it and i'll use the bwv, 3 different use yrs so tracking will be a little more work, but it's manageable, i love dvc so much that i cannot say that a stay at either 1 instead of bcv would dissapoint me, i figure bcv for flower fest, bwv for food/wine and okw for our annual xmas decoration trip in first part of dec, if i can changeup 7 month window fine, if not okw just dandy to be at
A BAD DAY AT WDW IS STILL BETTER THAN THE BEST DAY I'VE EVER HAD AT ANY JOB

 

[joepoe]

BUY WHERE YOU WANT TO STAY!!!!!!