okw or newer dvcs.

[ilovefh]

We are looking into the DVC right now becuase it just seems to be good for us. We always stay in hotel rooms, so a studio will be great with us, plus it will enable us to take more than one trip per year. When we have kids we think we will still be fine in a studio, but if not we will add points. Now my question is to anyone who has stayed in a studio. I noticed that all resorts except for OKW have one bed and one pull out sofa. How is the sofa? We wanted to know if the studios at all the resorts were about the same size, and how does everyone like the sofa. It seems like we might like to buy OKW purely for the fact that they have 2 beds and we'd like to be able to book 11 mos. out. (if we bought at another resort I think we might still want to stay at OKW, and we need to plan a little more than 7 mos.)

We like the location of BCV and BWV. This might be the difference between buying through Disney and resale.

So if anyone had any opinions of the studios I would appreciate it, especially if you have stayed at OKW sudios and other resorts studios!

Thanks!

Elena

 

[yasuern]

I can't answer the studio ? for you as we have never stayed in one - But as far as the pull out couch my dgt and neice slept on one in a 1bdrm at OKW for 5 nights and found it fine - I took a nap on it once and found it comfortable. Now as for obtaining points - We purchased 300pts VWL dec 2001 - then stayed at OKW in july 2002 and purchased a 200 pt resale from the timeshare store and even with closing cost which are negotiable - it was alot less than disney. So my advice to you is to buy where you want to stay and if that is the BCV/BWV area then I would look into a BWV resale - if its for DTD area I would look into a OKW resale. Also if you think you will need 150pts buy 250pts - buy more than you think you will need - It seems once you buy DVC you tend to vacation either in longer stretches or more frequently. Also once you have children - take my advice a 1bdrm is wonderful - the kids can be playing in the bdrm and you and your DH/DW can be enjoying the whole livingrm/dingrm/patio - It's just nice to have space after a busy day at the park.

 

[spiceycat]

I stay in studios alot - great to save on points - I like all the studios at OKW, VWL, BCV and BWV - I generally sleep on the couch and I don't have a problem with it.

What I do have a problem with is taking it out in the first place when I am dead tired from the parks - so if you plan on staying out late at any of the parks make sure the sofa bed is down before you go. At the BCV I had a problem making it back to a sofa but I think that they have fixed this problem. If it happens to you just call housekeeping.

that is one advantage to OKW - but I also like to sit on the couch and watch TV or read my books - so back to VWL or BCV. they are all lovely resorts.

OKW is cheaper to buy and to kept (less annual fee). I own at OKW, BWV and VWL - I would love to buy at BCV but the budget can't afford it at present.

 

[Regina]

We occassionally stay in studios.

OKW is a large room, and the beds are very comfortable. There's a full bathroom with a utility sink, mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker in an adjacent alcove.

We just returned from a stay in a BCV studio. I liked the layout better. Unlike OKW, the newer DVC resorts have the tub and toilet in a separate room with the sink/vanity in an alcove. The mini-kitchen is apart from that, with another sink and a larger counter than what's offered at OKW.

While we didn't use the sleep sofa, I didn't find it comfortable to sit on. Considering how new the resort is, I attribute the stiffness to the newness and I'm sure it will get more comfy over time.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.

 

[dianeschlicht]

My advice would be to buy the most points you can afford. I think this would definately be through resale at this time. I would also try to do two contracts. Maybe you should do one smaller one at the Epcot area and another small one at OKW. I am probably biased about OKW though. We originally bought 230 OKW points with the idea that we would stay at the other resorts too, but after staying at OKW a couple of times and seeing how much fewer points were needed there, we have never stayed at the others! I like "getting away", so being right in the middle of the action isn't an issue for me. I also don't mind the bus rides. I LOVE the embiance of OKW and the size of the rooms as well as the lower points and lower maintenance fees. I have no doubt I would also love the proximaty to Epcot of BWV or BCV, but for now, I am content with my 380 OKW points. We have one 230 point contract and another 150 point contract.

 

[ilovefh]

thanks for the information everyone!! i have to compare prices, since I get a 15% CM discount. I think with the closing costs of a resale it could be about the same price.

 

[robinb]

I would buy through Disney using your CM discount. Not only do you get 15% off, but you also do not need to pay closing costs. Plus, Disney has some attractive financing if you need it.

I own at OKW (and love it), but BCV will have a higher resale value should you wish to sell in the future. You can almost always get a unit at OKW at the 7 month window.