PLZ HELP ~ w/ Buying DVC HOME!

Goingtodisneyworld

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We are looking at purchasing DVC Vero Beach, however hope to use them equally at OKW, BWV & Wilderness Lodge, our main travel is Sep. – early Dec. if we plan early will we ever be able to use the points at the other resorts, or would you highly recommend purchasing a better home resort? Thanks for your Time & Help with our decision ~ Christine
 
Only buy VB if that is where you want to stay the most.

Sure, you'll probably be able to get in at most of the other resorts for Sept. but there is no guarantee.

Early December for the others at WDW, I'd say forget it. You may be able to get OKW.

Do you have any intention on traveling to VB regularly? If not, then I wouldn't buy there. Vero Beach is awesome. I'm surprised at how many people buy there to stay at WDW and never enjoy the beauty of the beach.

Plus, the dues are highest at VB, so you wouldn't be ahead of the game if most of your points go for stays at WDW.
 
The highest dues of any DVC resort and being forced to deal with the seven month window for WDW ressies for the rest of your life are the two reasons that I think its a bad idea.

Forty years is a long time, many of your habits can change, the best way to assure yourself of easy WDW vacations is to buy an onsite DVC resort.

OKW resales are generally less than the other onsite resorts, the dues are the lowest and you have the eleven month window for the largest of all DVC accomodations.

Buying VB to mainly vacation at WDW is not a good idea.
 
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I can’t believe it ~ we are so anxious to become DVC owners, and have just started to research/find the right “Home” to purchase, so I thought I would check back just to see if there was any response & I already have all the info. I need!! We will stay at VB & HH, equally however from what I read, they do not sound like the right home resort. We have toured/visited Wilderness Lodge & BWV, and previously stayed at All Star Music & last yr. a studio at OKW & are now hooked on DVC, however I do like the idea of boat transportation (no collapsing the stroller every time on/off) from BWV & Wilderness, any/all comparisons would be greatly appreciated: pools, rooms (I believe I’ve read OKW are largest), playgrounds, etc. & any other Pros/Cons, for we are trying to make this purchase solely on our past experiences so we can actually make the next trip down as owners!! Happy Disney Day ~ Christine
P.S. Is there somewhere I can find the dues for each resort?
:)
 

Last time this was posted I saved it - Thanks, Nick & Cindy!

For 2003:

Old Key West - $3.49
Hilton Head - $3.69
Beach Club Villas - $3.97
Wilderness Lodge - $4.05
Boardwalk Villas - $4.10
Vero Beach - $4.37
 
Regarding where to buy points and where to stay...

When DH & I bought in '00, they were selling VB with Magical Beginnings and as my parents lived within 20 miles, we thought it would be a great way to combine visiting them with a resort vacation. Alas, my dad passed away a few months after our purchase, so he never got to enjoy VB with us. As it turns out, we have been using our VB points for more WDW stays since then than actual VB stays, and we have had no problems with making our ressies at 7 months. We are flexible, though, and don't have to work around school vacations and such.

Since then, we have added on at VWL and now BCV. I hope to start rotating vacations so every 3 years we can do a beach cottge at VB, with the other 2 years at WDW (LOVE the F&WF, thus the BCV points), but so far we have wanted to go at least twice a year, and it's worked out.

I am amused by the various posters who advocate one resort over another. I love almost every DVC resort equally (excluding HH which I haven't tried yet), with a preference for BCV over BWV... each has its own personality and advantages, and I love the idea of going to different resorts with different agendas. BCV for the F&WF, OKW with a big family group when we drive, VWL when we bring our 6yo niece (and maybe grandkids someday) for the proximity to MK, etc., etc. Looking forward to falling in love with SSR for whatever special charm it brings to the mix. Variety is a very good thing.

So that's just one family's perspective. Hope it helps.
 
to stay most. We own at OKW because at the time it was the only resort. We have stayed at HH and BWV. We just added to VB because we wanted the 11 month window there. If you want to have the cottages or the GV you really need the 11 month window. We like BWV and have never had any problem getting any size room except the GV. We always stay at OKW if staying in a GV and other places if smaller units are needed. Keep in mind you can usually get what you want at most of the WDW resorts at 11 or 7 months but at HH or VB the choices are fewer. It really depends on your likes in vacations.
 
Generally, it is a good idea to buy points at the "home" you are likely to stay at most often. It clearly gives you an advantage of time if you plan properly and well in advance.

One thing many Members do is to split points between two or more "homes". If you can afford it this may be an option for you.

My "home" is OKW since I bought back in 1994. I have stayed there the most, in both studios and 1-bedroom units. I have also stayed at the BWV (studio), VWL (studio), HH (studio) and now VB (studio). During visits I've seen models of the larger units available at BWV and VWL to compare sizes and amenities.

OKW units are the largest of all and most convenient in terms of parking since you can generally find spaces near each condo. The Resort is spread out and has a relaxed feel to it. If you are looking for big, fancy pools and lots of activity this is probably not the "home" to select. If you enjoy golf, nice but quieter pools and activities this is perfect. Laundries for studio guests are located at the pool areas. I always use my car to travel to parks and such when I am here. There is bus service available to locations around WDW but I hate to wait &/or have to switch transit to get where I am going.

BWV is a large Resort. Because of that your unit may be located at the end of a VERY long hallway, as mine was. When you need to lug groceries "home" that may be tiresome. Parking is another issue. If you choose to park yourself, it may be a long hike from the car to the Resort. Efforts are being made to help the situation but day guests still take up spaces until Epcot closes. The units themselves are very nice. My studio, though the setup was different than at OKW, was spacious enough for me. The porch was small however. One laundry room is down near the BW and very busy. Having the activities of the BW right there and access to Epcot and MGM (by boat) is excellent and a big selling point.

VWL was beautiful, IMO. The units are about the same as at the BWV and very nice but a bit dark. The Resort isn't so massive that you need to hike endless halls to your unit. Parking is in one big lot so you still may be off a distance there. Having a few restaurants on-site and within the main Lodge is convenient, especially in bad weather. If you will visit the MK or use the monorail often, the boat transportation is very nice to have on-site. Set on a lake, you have easy access to water sports and fishing. There is a hiking trail too. If you are looking for a relaxed, natural setting with a beautiful pool this is it.

HH is another relaxing, natural Resort. It's quiet and perfect for guests who enjoy biking, kayaking, birdwatching and such. There are restaurants within walking distance and excellent golf and tennis facilities across the Island. Private beach access is a walk or quick bike/car ride away. Parking is close to each condo or the Main Lodge. My unit seemed a bit larger than at either BWV or VWL and the porch certainly was spacious. I have heard that larger units have working fireplaces. Units are rather dark though, in keeping with the setting. One laundry room for studio guests is located at the Main Lodge.

I stayed at VB for the first time two weeks ago. My unit, in one of the Villas, was exactly like an OKW unit. From what I could see the 1 and 2-bedroom units are also, at least in the Villas (not sure about Inn accomodations). Porches are smaller, however. Parking and laundry facilities were conveniently located and the Villas (Inn too) had an elevator. The pool area is very nice but for me the main draw was the beautiful beach steps away from my door. Two restaurants, a snack stand and a bar are on-site if you don't want to venture out. Plenty of great restaurants and places to visit are within easy drives. WDW is about a 2 hour drive away so this isn't the place to stay if you want to be in Orlando very often. If you love the beach and simple, natural settings and activities this is a great "home" to select. Many Members split a stay between this Resort and days at a WDW "home".

As for the new BCV, I have yet to stay there. I have heard nothing but good things about it though. It offers convenience to get to the parks and BW with the added attraction of nicely appointed units. The pool is suppose to be excellent and the Resort is not as massive as the BWV.

With the non-home Resorts I was able to make reservations within the 3-7 month window. At BWV I was waitlisted at the 7 month mark (for May). VWL I booked at 7 months out, no problem (late April). At VB I just managed to get in at the 3 month mark while HH was booked solid well before that (for May). I travel at off-peak times, generally late April-May, October and early December with a "use year" of September.

Tour around, if you can, and good luck in your decision.
 
In your situation I'd buy OKW due to the combination of resale prices and lowest dues. That way you can book at the 11 month window then when you want to try other options, you can change to what you want at the 7 month window. If what you want is not available, you still have a great room and resort at WDW.
 











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