oh boy, ive got problems!

[dairyou]

help!

I just called DVC and set up a tour for when we come out in October.

I asked if we could see OKW and BCV. The lady on the phone said no way, they are all sold out. I told her I understood this, but there is no way hubby will buy without seeing which one he wants to call "home". She said over and over they were sold out and we could not see it.

My husband if very level headed and frugal with our money. (I am totally opposite!) I love him for it, because if he wasnt, we wouldnt be financially okay to even buy. There is no way we can even purchase unless he can see what we are buying.

Any ideas on how I can get them to bring us to these two resorts?

Deb

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I'd suggest renting some points from a current DVC member and splitting a stay between the two resorts. Go over and check out the "rent/trade" board. By staying at OKW and/or BCV on points you will truly get a feel for the entire resort and DVC experience.

If you can't do that, get a priority seating for a lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants during your next trip and walk around each resort. You won't be able to see the "amazingly large rooms" of OKW but you will get a feel for each resort.

You could also pay cash for a stay at either resort on your next trip.

No matter what, take the tour on your next visit of SSR. You will get lots of good info. Not as much as here though.

HBC

 

[dairyou]

HBC,

I wish I could follow your suggestions. Unfortunately this is my chance to buy. We come from California and doubt if we will come again anytime soon. Once a year usually is when we come.

I wish we would have looked into this sooner

Deb

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

dairyou:

Where are you staying? You can still make a couple of priority dining reservations for the restaurants and walk around each resort before or after your meal. Or just walk over the the BCV from the International Gateway entrance from EPCOT.

You can also take the tour of SSR. The rooms from what I hear are essentially the same size and shape as the BCV, with different decor.

HBC

 

[Laurabearz]

Visit the models for SSR...... this will give your husband an idea of the room sizes of the onsite DVC resorts except OKW. The main difference is the room theming.... Lot of pictures around the web that you could print out, and bring with you, so he can make the connection.... same villa layout, but with a blue sofa instead of a pastel one.... does that make sense? And let him know that the OKW rooms are larger..... Esp the livingroom/kitchen area (again show pictures.

Then, if you can.... rent a car for a day, S/D has car rental onsite.... then drive yourself to each resort and walk around.....

When you find your home.... it will not be because of the room decoration.... but the over all feel of the resort. Trust me. You will know which one is right for you..... and so will your husband.

You also mentioned your husband is frugal.... OKW has the lowest dues (for now) and the lowest point schedule of all the resorts, so your points do go farther...... BCV's will be hard hard hard to get in the coming years (as well as VWL and BWV) at the 7 month window as more and more normal people become DVC fanatics..... So weight that information accordingly.

Good luck.... all hope is not lost..... My husband was reluctant too, until we walked around OKW for 5 minutes!!!! He is as hooked as I am!

Keep us posted!

 

[married@wdw]

My guess is at OKW you could probably call the manager, tell them your situation and schedule a time for someone to show you around a bit. Might be a little tougher at BCV because of their set-up sharing a hotel with BC, but that might also be possible to arrange. And of course as a previous poster said, SSR is very similar in size and lay-out of rooms.

Good luck! Hope we'll be welcoming you home soon!

 

[Mary Anne]

Onless you are buying a resale the only place you can buy is SSR and by tourning the model you will see the rooms. The rooms are pretty much the same for SSR/VWL/BWV and BCV - only the room colors style of furniture are slightly different. You can easily see the area of each resort by going by it.

We pretty much bought sight unseen. We had been to disney many times and bought onboard the cruise ship. When we got back to disney we stopped by OKWest and they showed us a studio./1 bedroom unit that was not being used.

 

[Belle and Rella's Dad]

Has the BCV shut down their on site model? I think it was room 108, but I can't be sure. If it is still open you should be able to head over to the BCV and walk right in and take a tour. I am not sure if it is still open or not, but it is worth a try.

 

[Beth]

I've got a suggestion... It's a bit of a long-shot - but it's worth a try...

You could post the dates that you'll be at WDW - and see if there are any DIS'ers who may be there during that time, who would offer to let you see their villa at OKW or BCV.

I am on the waitlist for a friend of mine for mid-October - and am not having much luck. It appears that a BUNCH of us will be there.

I'm not sure if the model at BCV is still open, or not but, FWIW - <i>I</i> will be there for one night, only, Sunday, 10/19 - in a 2 bedroom. If you happen to be there at the same time - I'd be happy to let you see our unit! We have done this once before for a DIS'er who wanted to see a Beach Cottage while we were staying at VB. Just send me a PM...

Good Luck - we have points at both resorts, and like them both very much...

 

[RichAyers]

Check out Deb's website for a TON of interior pictures. It is not the same as walking thru, but it is darn close...Click on "Accomodations" once you are on her page.

Rich Ayers

 

[Terry S]

I would also suggest going to the resorts on your own. We wanted to see OKW since all the people around here speak so highly of it. One day while we were at DTD we took the boat over to OKW and stopped at the front desk and told them we were a perspective guest and asked if we could see a room. They were more than happy to walk us over to a room that was un-occupied, let us in and walk around. (This would not work if the resort was at capacity).

At BCV, I belive there is still a model, room 108, that is set up for members to go take a look around. It is only for members, but I am sure if you went there and looked around I don't think anyone will throw you out without letting you look around first. It is really easy to walk to BCV while your at Epcot.

If the model at BCV is closed or you can't get into the model, I will be at BCV in a 2 bedroom from 10/3 - 10/12 and would be more than happy to let you take a look at our room.

 

[dairyou]

Whew!!!

Thank you so much! What would I do without you guys! Now I can rest until October. We will go to each individual resort ourselves and take a look. That can be our break during the day.

You guys are lifesaves!

Deb

 

[jdkdorn]

This must be something new. We were at WDW over labor day and were able to tour the BCV 1bdr and the SSR rooms. All the room models were still set up. I would just walk in without a reservation and ask if is possible to see the models, that is what we did. Were are current owners so that may be the difference, we can still add on at the sold out resorts if ROFR come through with more contracts. It doesn't hurt to try.

Good luck

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Beth

You could post the dates that you'll be at WDW - and see if there are any DIS'ers who may be there during that time, who would offer to let you see their villa at OKW or BCV.

That's a great idea, and maybe not such a long shot! I met someone thru these boards who was staying at BWV same time I was at BCV. She asked if she could come over to see my studio. Sure-I was going solo, and it's a great way to meet other DISers.

 

[KNWVIKING]

You are planning on buying a resale ? Correct ?? I didn't read that in your post anywhere and just want to be sure you understand that you can't buy OKW or BCV from Disney because they are sold out. I'm sure I'm just misreading your post but thought I'd kick in my 2 cents anyway. Good luck.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Dairyou, last year I simply went to the desk at OKW, told 'em I was a member at VWL, and asked if there was any way I could take a peek at an OKW unit.

In moments there was a housekeeper with keys, and she let me see both a 1 BR and a GV. Timing might've had something to do with it; it was about 2 PM, before most folks arrive but after others have checked out.

So, heck, I'd just ask.

 

[Gregsb]

My wife and I will be at OKW from October 10 through the 15th if that is of any help to you.

As others have stated, talk to the front desk to see a room as well. What has worked for us in the past as well is to find one of the housekeeping CM's and talk to them, they might know of a vacant room that you can see, i.e. the family checkout this morning and they are getting ready to service the suite.

 

[dairyou]

knwviking..

We are trying to decide if we will buy from Disney - SSR or buy resale. I guess it depends on which resort we feel is best for us. Thanks for giving the heads up. Being new, there is always something to be learned for you all

Deb

 

[dianeschlicht]

By the time I got here, it looks like you got the right suggestion. I was surprised to hear they would not take you around to see the other resorts. I think if you worded it in such a way as to let them think you are interested in SSR, but want to see the other DVC resorts that you could stay at too, the guide might have been more understanding.

I think going to the resorts and doing a walk around (or with OKW a bus around) would be a great idea. I am quite sure each DVC resort would be happy to show you model rooms. BWV has the SSR models set up, and I am sure they could show you a BWV model as well.

I will try to find the list of dues costs for each resort as well as a sample of point costs. If you are always planning fall trips, it is a lesser point time.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Search is down, so I can't look for Caskbill's chart that was posted, but I did print it out long ago, so I can give you some for instances.

Points by resort for October dates:
October is Choice season. 1st number is per week night 2nd per weekend nights.
Studio 1BR 2BR GV
OKW 8-21 18-41 24-56 38-91
BWV(s) 9-21 18-42 24-58 79-96
BWV(p) 12-23 24-47 32-61
VWL 12-23 24-47 32-61
BCV 12-23 24-47 32-61
SSR 11-20 20-41 27-54 (Can't find this)

2003 dues/point
OKW $3.49
BWV $4.11
VWL $4.05
BCV $3.97
Not listed for SSR

Hope this helps you. When search is on I can look for Caskbill's chart.