Newbie with 7 mo questions, home resort and more

[Classicmicknmin]

Hi all, first post on the boards! I am in my early 30s, dh early 40s.. I think we've determined that expiration year does matter to us. Again, not sure but leaning towards Yes to longer contracts.

Recently stayed at Kidani 1 br. Really enjoyed AKV (and like the long contract) but would have liked Jambo more for convenience to more dining, more lively lobby, more "action". We would choose Jambo if we purchased at AKL. Although we liked the resort, I didn't feel like we fell in love. Also, I understand the 1 br at Jambo is one of the smallest which would be disappointing for our home resort and not consistently desirable to only have only this choice at the 11 mo mark for a 1 br. What makes it smaller than Kidanis 1 br.. ??The sleeper chair absence?

If BWV was a longer contact, it would be a no brainier for us. That's our #1 choice. So, if we choose Jambo for the contract exp, as our home resort, how difficult or easy is a 7 mo reservation at BWV in a 1 bedroom villa... Or a studio. Travel dates to be between March and October. After our child is older, travel primarily July or August.

Also threw around the idea of BLT and SSR for contract exp. BLT for its proximity too MK.. Our favorite park by far. And monorail line. Upfront higher cost set off by lower dues would make it financially doable but higher point values for stays would be the one drawback in our mind, making the 11 month mark not usually an advantage to us with the exception of a splurge every few years

SSR.. I think I'd rather take AKV over SSR since they are comparable prices and contract expirations... (Guess could say the same for OKW 2057s), bus transport from AKL and much better theming.. Even given the small 1 br.

Stuck on BWV but that 2042 keeps coming back to our mind.

opinions please .. Which home resort would you choose?

thanks all!!!!

 

[JWigs]

welcome!

So we recently purchased 2 different contracts (one at BLT and one at VGC). We did this mostly because we are from the W. Coast and therefore likely to go to either park. We like VGC (partially bc it's the only DVC right now in CA) and we stayed at BLT last year in March (rented points) and loved how close it is to walk to MK. Not to mention being able to watch the fireworks from the rooftop at the Lounge. Or the fact that you can book a theme park view & watch the fireworks from your room.

I would say that you should pick a resort you can see yourself being happy to 'be stuck at' if you had to book 11 mos out.

For me, the big deal with BLT is the distance to MK. We stayed offsite last Oct for a Halloween trip we took to WDW and it was MISERABLE. The monorail broke so they told us to turn around and take the boats back to the parking lot. So then the boats got swamped and we had a poor sleeping/cold baby and I was being bitten by skeeters.

After that and staying at BLT; I don't see how we could ever go back to dealing with that. Especially being able to (with a small child and maybe another next year) to be able to take breaks and re-charge were key for me.

But I know plenty of others who love Poly or GF or even the AKL. I think for us, it makes the most sense to stay at BLT since we anticipate having small children for a while and also that it's a high demand property (so the cost is higher) but if we ever had to resell or rent points; we also know that it would likely be in high demand.

Good luck

 

[Classicmicknmin]

Thank you for your reply and input!For your reasons about bLT we also considered GF or Poly and I love the feel of GF but the price just is not in the cards for us. Going in January, bus transportation was great and wasn't long waits but I know that can be a different ballgame all together at most other times. We definately were spoiled with that aspect especially with what could have been longer rides like to MK from AKV. Thanks again... Will take that into consideration. How did you like the ambiance of BLT? Honestly I didn't like the sterile feel (Imo) of the Contemporary but photos of BLT do seem to show a little more Disney vibe and some warmth to their modern feel..in comparison to The Contemporary. Thoughts?

 

[msjprincess]

Hi all, first post on the boards! I am in my early 30s, dh early 40s.. I think we've determined that expiration year does matter to us. Again, not sure but leaning towards Yes to longer contracts.

Recently stayed at Kidani 1 br. Really enjoyed AKV (and like the long contract) but would have liked Jambo more for convenience to more dining, more lively lobby, more "action". We would choose Jambo if we purchased at AKL. Although we liked the resort, I didn't feel like we fell in love. Also, I understand the 1 br at Jambo is one of the smallest which would be disappointing for our home resort and not consistently desirable to only have only this choice at the 11 mo mark for a 1 br. What makes it smaller than Kidanis 1 br.. ??The sleeper chair absence?

If BWV was a longer contact, it would be a no brainier for us. That's our #1 choice. So, if we choose Jambo for the contract exp, as our home resort, how difficult or easy is a 7 mo reservation at BWV in a 1 bedroom villa... Or a studio. Travel dates to be between March and October. After our child is older, travel primarily July or August.

Also threw around the idea of BLT and SSR for contract exp. BLT for its proximity too MK.. Our favorite park by far. And monorail line. Upfront higher cost set off by lower dues would make it financially doable but higher point values for stays would be the one drawback in our mind, making the 11 month mark not usually an advantage to us with the exception of a splurge every few years

SSR.. I think I'd rather take AKV over SSR since they are comparable prices and contract expirations... (Guess could say the same for OKW 2057s), bus transport from AKL and much better theming.. Even given the small 1 br.

Stuck on BWV but that 2042 keeps coming back to our mind.

opinions please .. Which home resort would you choose?

thanks all!!!!

Another thing to take into consideration would be the maintenance fees. For 2016 AKV is $6.42 SSR is $5.44

 

[JWigs]

You check in on the Contemporary side and it definitely feels more like a convention center than a resort.

Once we got checked in and came back later to get our room, we felt much more like we were "home."

I think you're not the first to say it feels sterile and not as "themed" as other DVC resorts or even hotels but I personally didn't mind it.

I know BLT is also going to be soft renovated I think for decor so it can only improve from here.

I agree with GF that it's a little spendy plus I feel like it's not as family friendly even though it's disney. I think I like the idea of being able to get to rope drop at MK within 15 mins and I don't have to care about the monorail times. I also like that at Xmas when it's crowded that I'll be able to get in my jammies faster than most.

But I honestly don't think there is a bad resort to own at so you should pick one that you'll use for years. One day when our kids are older we may hate BLT but I like that you can at least book other resorts too if your needs change

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The Jambo 1BR's are not that different in size from most other DVC 1BR's. They have a different layout than many of the resorts (that have a uniquely complicated design of doors into the bathroom and bedroom that I always puzzle over) but if the Jambo size is smaller than those it would surprise me. Jambo was converted from Deluxe hotel rooms so the size was pre-determined. The value category does have less square footage - they were converted from the smaller hotel rooms but they make up a small part of Jambo. In a 1BR it has one bathroom vs Kidani which has 2. Both Kidani and Jambo have the sleeper chair other than the value category at Jambo.

You mention a big window to travel but not if you'll have a lot of flexibility. You fall into a category that is easy to book (1BR's are the last to fill) and for the most part it's not the busiest DVC time (Oct-Dec is) so with any flexibiity on your stays at all you would likely be able to stay at BWV in a pool/garden view most times that you wanted to and you might even manage standard or boardwalk view now and then. Studios book up more quickly but still could be a possibility. A difference for getting SSR vs AKV is the lower dues at SSR which can add up over time. But if you were interested in the value rooms or concierge category then owning at AKV is a good idea. If your plan is to stay elsewhere most of the time then SSR will be a better value and AKV 1BR's are available at 7 months consistently at 7 months so you could stay there as well.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

Yes that is true too! Good point. Msj

 

[sndral]

OP, AKV is all one DVC resort, so if you buy AKV points you have the 8-11 month home resort booking advantage at Jambo and Kidani.
AKV Jambo has a lot of room choices ranging from the smaller value villas which are real point savers if you can get one to the very pricey point wise & hard to get club villas. The regular 1 br. villas at Jambo have a sleeper chair and sleep 5. The smaller value villas at Jambo only sleep 4.
To compare 1 br. sizes:
AKV Jambo value 629 sq. ft.
AKV Jambo (non value) 710 sq. ft.
BWV 712 sq. ft.
SSR 714 sq. ft.
BCV 726 sq. ft.
WLV 727 sq. ft.
BLT 803 sq. ft.
AKV Kidani 807 sq. ft.
VGF 844 sq. ft.
OKW 942 sq. ft.
Some of the newer larger villas allocate a lot of space in the one bedrooms to a second bathroom or a split bathroom like the VGF 1 br.s have. Plus how the villas are laid out can make them feel bigger or smaller.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

thanks all for your opinions and great stats on square footage and Input about booking Windows. For the next few years, yes lots of flexibility between the months I mentioned,after the next few years still flexible for summer months. Annual dues are really coming into play in my mind more. I think I'm confusing myself the more info I get though. . By the way, we usually would stay value or standard view.

Also thinking of bathrooms, and really enjoyed having the 2 baths. So that would leave me BLT, Kidani at AKL and OKW for a 1 bedroom... Not a deal breaker but I do think I would miss the 2nd bath...

 

[disneynutz]

Expiration isn't important if you don't love your resort/room. My guess is that most members sell after 10 or 15 years, maybe not the folks here on the DIS but we are a small sampling of owners.

Without staying at each resort you can't really get a felling for the resort/rooms/views/location.

Bill

 

[lovin'fl]

Given all you mention, you should go for BLT. BLT 1BR/2BR villas have the extra bath and the sleeper chair as well as the sleeper sofa. AKV has that as well but it is always easy to book AKV at 7 months out (unless you want club or value rooms). BLT is tougher to book at 7 months out. You are young so the longer contract at BLT is also appealing and you said MK is your go-to park. The walk to MK from BLT is sweet! Now, BWV, we own there and are also early 40s (we also own OKW and HHI...all 2042 expiration...we didn't care about expiration). It is tough to book at BWV...especially studios and definitely the standard view rooms. The tough times are from end of Sept through Jan. We bought the BWV for F&W time and we hoped to get standard view but find it's tough to get, even at 11 months out. Good luck deciding.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

Thanks. Yes renting points for April to do so.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

Given all you mention, you should go for BLT. BLT 1BR/2BR villas have the extra bath and the sleeper chair as well as the sleeper sofa. AKV has that as well but it is always easy to book AKV at 7 months out (unless you want club or value rooms). BLT is tougher to book at 7 months out. You are young so the longer contract at BLT is also appealing and you said MK is your go-to park. The walk to MK from BLT is sweet! Now, BWV, we own there and are also early 40s (we also own OKW and HHI...all 2042 expiration...we didn't care about expiration). It is tough to book at BWV...especially studios and definitely the standard view rooms. The tough times are from end of Sept through Jan. We bought the BWV for F&W time and we hoped to get standard view but find it's tough to get, even at 11 months out. Good luck deciding.

Thanks so much for the input. I am definately leaning towards BLT for the reasons you mentioned but I think that decision will really come to staying there because vibe and over feel is pretty important to me. It's one of those intangibles that does make a difference about how I feel on vacation. Now, BWV although they don't have the 2nd bath, we absolutely loved the proximity to the BW dining and entertainment and really liked the theme and feel of BWV. visited on our recent stay at AKV. Thanks for mentioning that standard views are difficult at BWV... That is something to consider for me. Any chance you have stayed at a renovated room yet at BWV?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If BWV was a longer contact, it would be a no brainier for us.

I think something to consider is that 2042 is still 26 years away, and that's a long time. Flexibility or desires for vacation may change in that time, there may be health issues, and I'm guessing with the 1BR preference there are children (or potential children) also involved, which definitely can change desire and flexibility over time.

The Epcot area resorts seem to only be growing more popular in all seasons. While 1BR has some advantages over the 2BR and studio due to the lock-off situations, if Boardwalk is where your heart is it may very well be a benefit to have the 11-month option for Boardwalk for the next 26 years, versus competing at 7 months for the next 26 years.

In general, if you are buying based on 7-month, book anywhere with flexibility, you can almost always get AKL at 7 months, save for Club Level and Value. It's got higher annual dues as well, which means that unless your heart is at AKL it doesn't get you a lot of 11-month benefit and has a higher cost over time than Saratoga, which also has a very limited 7-month advantage, but has lower dues over time. BLT has favorable dues, but will go for $20-40/point more than most Saratoga contracts, and, again, unless you want that BLT priority at 11-months -- and you're saying it would be a splurge, not a regular booking -- that's a big premium to pay when there's no heart in the resort, or desire for the 11-month booking.

If Boardwalk would be a "no-brainer," it sounds like that's where your heart is. 26 years of following your heart is still a long time.

 

[lovin'fl]

Any chance you have stayed at a renovated room yet at BWV?

Yes and they are lovely. They did leave the old tub tile surround, the old kitchen appliances and W/D, the old thermostat, the old shower fixtures (with peeling silver finish)...I was kinda dumbfounded that they didn't go all the way with renos. But the rooms looked lovely and are comfortable and the TVs are fantastic. We had a studio in P/G view that had the TV stand trundle bed. Cute and nice for a small child. My teens stayed in that room while DH and I had a 1BR standard view (1BR's are the easiest standard view rooms to get...studios are nearly impossible). Both were renovated...this was an Aug 2015 trip. Another plus, is that BWV has stopped sharing buses to MK and AK with other resorts...though I gather this is only during busy times and may not be permanent. That was one of our biggest gripes at BWV, the shared MK and AK buses that would take forever and be packed.

BLT...feel. I get that. We stayed at the CR once for DH's work conference. I LOVED it there. Thought I'd LOVE BLT. DH and I stayed in a studio there for F&W 2013. It was really nice to walk to/from MK for MNSSHP. TOTWL is AWESOME!!! I like the feel of the resort too. DH doesn't and says it's just a hotel stay but I see a skyrise and Jetson's style. It's no Holiday Inn. But I didn't LOVE BLT and don't have it in my top 4 (AKV< BCV< BWV and VWL). Here is why: NOISY. It was the noisiest resort we have ever stayed at. Maybe it was our room location (5th floor and right off skyway bridge) but we could hear the electrical water pageant, the Wishes music piped in on the Skyway Bridge, the movies under the stars...no tree/shrub buffer for noise (all cement and glass). The studio was small but I did like the layout (kitchen area) and had no problem with DH and I (wouldn't do more than a couple or a couple with a young child). I will stay there again but want to try a 1BR and would request inner C for Lake view or go for Theme Park view. Oh, and another negative for me..the monorail...not a fan.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Also thinking of bathrooms, and really enjoyed having the 2 baths. So that would leave me BLT, Kidani at AKL and OKW for a 1 bedroom... Not a deal breaker but I do think I would miss the 2nd bath...

OKW does not have 2 baths in a 1 BR. Only BLT and Kidani have the 2 full baths in a 1 br at WDW.

 

[lovin'fl]

OKW does not have 2 baths in a 1 BR. Only BLT and Kidani have the 2 full baths in a 1 br at WDW.

That's right. That slipped by me. OKW does have the sleeper chair as well as the sleeper sofa but no extra bath. OKW has full laundry room instead of closet and they have full sized kitchen tables instead of the RV style cubbie table.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

Funny, after i I walked away I realized.. I was thinking of 5th person I think maybe. Thanks for catching that!

 

[sndral]

...Any chance you have stayed at a renovated room yet at BWV?

We stayed 3 nights in a renovated 1 br. pool/garden view Dec. 2015 (using our AKV points.) While the villa was nice staying there confirmed for me for me that I didn't want to own there. Lots of people love BWV, but I disliked the bathroom layout & lack of privacy w/ the shutters between the master and the spa tub and I disliked the never ending long low ceilinged narrow hallways to get to/from the elevators to/from our villa. I also wasn't fond of the up and down stairs to get to/from the lobby to the lake or the very small store for supplies. I was a bit surprised that I was so meh about it, as I adored my stays at the YC. Just goes to show nothing compares to actually test driving before you buy.

 

[Classicmicknmin]

We stayed 3 nights in a renovated 1 br. pool/garden view Dec. 2015 (using our AKV points.) While the villa was nice staying there confirmed for me for me that I didn't want to own there. Lots of people love BWV, but I disliked the bathroom layout & lack of privacy w/ the shutters between the master and the spa tub and I disliked the never ending long low ceilinged narrow hallways to get to/from the elevators to/from our villa. I also wasn't fond of the up and down stairs to get to/from the lobby to the lake or the very small store for supplies. I was a bit surprised that I was so meh about it, as I adored my stays at the YC. Just goes to show nothing compares to actually test driving before you buy.

Absolutely .. regarding nothing compares to a test drive and you definately prove it with that. Thanks for sharing your experience and those details. Did you love being in the midst of so much action at BWV in comparison to AKV ?