Is there a way to check out different dvc resorts?

[dbs1228]

I am looking for some input from the experts out there! We bought 160 pnt BLT Aug UY in Feb and made our 1st ressie for Feb 2011 for 2 bedroom villa 6 nights which used all 2009, 2010 pnts and we borrowed 8 pnts from 2011. We normally like to stay at least 7 - 10 nights and just purchased a resale at SSR 160 pnts because we want to stay at the THV every other year.

My question DH gave the go ahead to purchase 100 - 125 add on points at BLT to cover the "borrowing" we have to do to stay for more then 6 nights and we will always want at least a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom.

Well.... I have noticed some really good resale contracts out there just like the SSR one we are waiting to close on (saved over 4000.00) and I figured out that I can purchase a 170 point Aug UY contract with 2009 points banked at BCV for 1000.00 more then the 125 pnts at BLT incl. closing cost and we will have 45 more points a year, and 90 more up front. I would be more then happy to stay at BLT every 3rd year using banked, current and borrowed points if we found a 3rd property that we loved but I do not even know were BCV is located. I have read it is one of the hardest resorts to get into, and I have friends who LOVE it there.

I am going to be in Disney in May and was wondering if there is anyway to see the resorts (incl. rooms)? Are there any other resorts I should look at? What are people's opinion of BCV?

I know everyone says buy where you want to stay but the fact is I loved staying at the Ft Wilderness cabins for the past 15 years because of the outdoor space and golf carts. I do not know where our favorite place to stay is!!!!!! I would never have a problem using the points at the cabins if need be. I guess there are worse things out there to have to decide on but I really want to take advantage when DH is in the yes go for it mode! lol Just looking for feed back and pro's and con's of different resorts.

 

[Micca]

We own at SSR & BLT. We bought SSR at resale, BLT from Disney. If you'd like to shop around the various resorts I can't imagine they wouldn't be happy to show you around.

Maybe I didn't understand the question, but telling any of those friendly DVC resort CMs you'd like to examine the properties should only be met with the friendliest response.

 

[hakepb]

While I think an occasional large trip that uses most of 3 years worth of points is a good idea, I would worry about you having extra points you cannot use unless you start going to that resort every 2 years.
i.e if you go in 2010 (with 2009, 2010 and most 2011 points) and go again in 2013, your remaining 2011 points can only be banked into 2012. which means they cannot be used in that 2013 stay. You can combine points at 7 months in 2011 or 2012 but you would be setting yourself up for more difficult points tracking...


It's hard to fully appreciate or review a resort until you stay there. You could at least, visit a resort, dine there and walk around, see if they have the ammenities you like. In your case, you might actually feel too close to neighbors?

Another consideration, BCV points have much higher member fees than BLT (I think about $1.50/point more each year). I personally love the BCV area and think it's beautiful, but have yet to stay there.

 

[WizardLarz]

SSR has the treehouse villa which would offer you the outdoor feel! If you travel at peek times then Home Resort can be important!

 

[spiceycat]

bcv is an epcot resort.

better yet is about 5 to 10 minutes walk to Epcot from BCV.
it is a very nice place. the problems with bcv are it was an after thought (glad they did not do that with BLT).

it has the best resort pool on property. also has two of my favorite restuarants - Cape May Cafe and Beaches & cream.

pictures

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasCommonAreas/index.html

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasRooms/index.html

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/g542-beach-club-villas.html

really think if you love Epcot you will love BCV.

 

[dbs1228]

I know dvc would be happy to show me properties that they are currently selling but I was not sure about the older properties. Good point about maintance fees! We bought SSR resale because we know we will love THV. I think the smart thing to do right now is go in May and check our different resorts to get a feel for them. I will be staying at OKW so that will be one down, many to go!

I get what you are saying about every 3 years (it took me a bit) and works great with the every other year which brings me back to borrowing if we want to stay more then 7 days or add on)! I guess if we got a 3rd home resort it may force going more then once a year
College age daughters are already talking spring break for them!

I guess for now I sit back, wait to really see the different areas and then make an educated decision! We bought BLT soley for the location (especially with shorter stays) the rooms were okay but I liked the AKV a lot better (the only 2 resorts we saw)

thanks for the feed back

 

[ccigliano]

You can easily visit each resort but as far as seeing the rooms that may be tough. There are room layouts on line and in your packet of materials. If you really liked Fort Wilderness, I think SSR is a great option and I would also consider the Wilderness Lodge Villas. I own there and love the cozy woodsy feel and we walk over the Fort Wilderness daily to see the horses and check out the campsites at Christmastime. I would suggest at least booking a dinner reservation at Artist Point and get there early to take in the feel of the resort. I would also recommend doing that for all DVC resorts, like Jiko for the Animal Kingdom, maybe somewhere on the Boardwalk to check out Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas and don't forget Olivia's at Old Key West. I think once you at least see them all you'll have a better idea of where you actually want to stay. I would even go so far as booking a couple night stay in each if time and points aren't an issue as that really is the only way to get a feel for the resort. Good Luck.

 

[dbs1228]

One more thing do you think that they will still keep offering different incentives like the one after the webinar 108.00 per point for a 125 point add-on at BLT no closing of course because it is an add-on? As I said I am knew and my guide of course says all he sees in the future is prices going up.

 

[spiceycat]

not sure about okw or SSR - they may still be doing down until the economy improves - this is the resaler not DVC.

dvc always goes up.

you can see AKV models at Kidani
BLT models at BLT

or both at SSR ( I think) - just go to the sales area and ask to see the models - you are already members so no guide is necessary.

you can BWV at the old sales area along the BWV.

to see the BCV, VWL, OKW - go to their front desk (around 5 PM) and ask to see the villas. if they are sold out they will say no. if they have one to show you - they will. you may to wait awhile.

 

[ccigliano]

Great info - Spicycat!!!

 

[ClemTig]

I am going to be in Disney in May and was wondering if there is anyway to see the resorts (incl. rooms)? Are there any other resorts I should look at? What are people's opinion of BCV?

Actually, it depends on how booked the resort is and how accommodating the cast member is that you ask. 10 years ago it was easy to tour, lately it has been rather difficult. I think Disney is actively dissuading this practice.

Opinion on BCV... Best Pool. Along with BWV, best location. We like BWV's downstairs better for adults, but BCV is better for kids due to the pool. Both are a boat ride away from either Hollywood Studios or Epcot. You can also walk to either, Epcot is close, Hollywood Studios is a long walk. My favorite resort so far is a toss up between BWV and VWL. Haven't stayed at BLT yet, but I just bought points, and plan to stay in 3/11.

Oh, BTW, we have stayed at the Ft Wilderness Cabins as well. It is nice, has a 'throwback' feel to the late 1950's.

 

[es45]

I know everyone says buy where you want to stay but the fact is I loved staying at the Ft Wilderness cabins for the past 15 years because of the outdoor space and golf carts. I do not know where our favorite place to stay is!!!!!! I would never have a problem using the points at the cabins if need be. I guess there are worse things out there to have to decide on but I really want to take advantage when DH is in the yes go for it mode! lol Just looking for feed back and pro's and con's of different resorts.

You really sound like you would love the villas at WL or the treehouse villas at SSR. They have the same feel as the cabins. Of course the outdoor space at WL is shared by everyone, but it still feels more remote than the other resorts. The treehouse villas would give you that cabins feel too while accommodating a larger crowd (and with better features).

What a fun problem to have!

 

[dbs1228]

Actually, it depends on how booked the resort is and how accommodating the cast member is that you ask. 10 years ago it was easy to tour, lately it has been rather difficult. I think Disney is actively dissuading this practice.

Opinion on BCV... Best Pool. Along with BWV, best location. We like BWV's downstairs better for adults, but BCV is better for kids due to the pool. Both are a boat ride away from either Hollywood Studios or Epcot. You can also walk to either, Epcot is close, Hollywood Studios is a long walk. My favorite resort so far is a toss up between BWV and VWL. Haven't stayed at BLT yet, but I just bought points, and plan to stay in 3/11.

Oh, BTW, we have stayed at the Ft Wilderness Cabins as well. It is nice, has a 'throwback' feel to the late 1950's.

Thanks a bunch this really helps. DH and I will be traveling with our teenage daughters (not little ones) and soon enough with adults (friends, adult children and our parents) so I never considered BWV. I think if nothing else I have decided we want to stay everywhere, it would be nice to be near Epcot and HS and be able to take a boat ride or walk back to those parks at night. We always go during the day and take a break in late afternoon to return to MK for fireworks (kids stay until close) we return there because of location and ability to leave the teens at the park if they want to stay.