Prospective buyer seeks opinions.....

[Scotto]

I am going to buy into the DVC, but would like to hear opinions on which resort to call home. I have two daughters (7 & 10) that will spend all day in the pool if I let them so a nice pool will carry some weight in our decision. As I read the threads it appears that the new resorts are very large and may not have nice pools. I gather that the Beach club or Boardwalk are quite popular here. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[TiggerFreak]

In almost every poll here, Beach Club's pool complex "Storm Along Bay" wins hands down as the most favorite.
With the pools at the Widerness Lodge and Boardwalk coming in for a tie at second place.

Here's a pre-emptive "Welcome Home"

 

[Desperado]

Another important point to consider is proximity and transportation options. We like to be able to jump on the boat and head over to MGM, which has some kid oriented stuff. Some people like to be able to take to boat to MK from WLV. It gives you nice options to buses, and the ability to take a break in the middle of the day from the parks, which is wonderful with little ones.

Various transportation options other than just busses is a trademark of most of the deluxe level accomodations at WDW where those resorts that have only buses are generally moderate level resorts (AK one of the exceptions). SSR and OKW have boat transportation to DTD.

Eating options may also be an important consideration. All DVC resorts have nice pools geared to kids, especially with OKw getting a new pool slide this year.

 

[Patty3]

As far as pools go, SAB will get the most votes. If you are spending more time at MK, then I would buy WLV and if that is not the case, then definitely BCV.

 

[rocketriter]

Writing with absolutely no authority, I personally consider it a sure thing that DVC will add more pools to SSR as they add phases.

That said, the BCV pool is major.

That said, are you really sure that the girls will continue to prefer pools to parks? Think ahead and try to guess their future use patterns. My family is spending less time at MK now and more time at Epcot and MGM, so for us the only choice was between BCV and BWV. On the other hand, we have friends whose teenagers would rather spend all day at DD. For them the choice would be between OKW and SSR.

 

[mikesmom]

...and yet my teenager (whoops, not a teenager, anymore, he's 21!) does (and DID) prefer a lot of pool time. His preferences however, were OKW and BWV, with BWV coming in first. We joined when he was 16, so I'm mostly talking about the 17-20 age group.

Which, when I think about it, may sway you AWAY from the pools where all the teenage boys hung out (except now that I think about it, was probably because all the teenage girls were there).

 

[crisi]

And while SAB is really, really cool, there are also the waterparks for kids who grow gills. So if the pool at your home resort isn't SAB, you can always indulge them in a day of Typhoon Lagoon. It may also make it easier to do something other than the pool.

 

[MAC3]

Ok, going against the grain here. I have 1 DD(12) and believe it or not right now she will tell you that OKW is her favorite resort. That was even made before they said they were adding a slide to the pool (she claims that's icing!!).

I know the majority of people here say BCV for SAB but my DD didn't care for the sandy bottom. Not to mention if your children want to go on the slide (and you don't) you have to walk them over to it.

The entrance can't be seen from where the slide ends. But the rooms, quiet pool and location are phenominal!

My fave is BWV (my DD's 2nd fave)! I think they have the best slide and atmosphere. I would try for either one of those because they seem like the hardest to get 7 months out.

Unless of course you have a desire to stay @ the VWL during the Holiday season.

Whichever you choose you can't go wrong, they are all beautiful and very well themed in their own unique ways and you can stay at all of them with good planning!

Good Luck!

 

[puffkin]

I would look at your use patterns over the life of the contract and decide where you will end up spending the most time. Some important things to consider besides pools:

BCV, BWV- proximity to Epcot and MGM, Boardwalk
VWL- proximity to MK, Holiday theming
OKW- Larger units, lower point structure and dues
SSR- proximity to DTD, middle point structure and dues, longer contract life

We actually ended up buying through Disney for SSR. Our main concern was the longer contract. We are in our mid-twenties, so the longer contract was enticing. Plus, SSR's dues weren't as high as BCV, BWV and VWL. We will primarily travel in the summer since I am going back to school to be a teacher, which isn't an extremely busy time for DVC. Hopefully we will have no problems trying out the other resorts and if there is no availibility, I am more than happy with SSR. Make a decision that will fit your family for the life of the contract, not just the first few years.

 

[tjkraz]

Personally, I think you need to be selfish in making this decision. Buy into the resort that YOU (and significant other, if applicable) like, and make the kiddies a secondary part of your decision.

Depending on which resort you choose, you are going to own DVC for the next 40-50 years. Your daughters may only be a very small part of that, depending on where their interests go as they reach the teen years and then start families of their own.

 

[LIFERBABE]

There are currently plans to build 4 pools at SSR and Im sure that will increase with the last phase. There is the theme pool, and each section of buildings will have a Quiet Pool (with the exception of that group of bldg's across from the theme pool)

That said, my boys love SAB and prefer that over the parks.

They also love Disney Quest and was the reason we purchased SSR because DTD will be a great place for them as they get older and have more freedom. They can walk or take the boat over and spend the day at DQ, the movies, and McDonald's. Not to mention the WP's are across the street, a bus ride away.

Good Luck and I really don't think there is a wrong decision as all the resorts are great and different.

 

[pat-rick]

We are grandparents of 6.
We were considering BWV because of its location to EPCOT. Had just learned about the DVC when BCV was started. The time in making a decision to buy since we had not seen DVC in person the presale of BCV started so we purchased there because of it's location to EPCOT.
Our 5 year old prefers MK now but also enjoys some of the action at the other parks. We do have a 6 month old but to young to vote. the older 4 grand kids 16, 15, 13, 10 spend most of their time between Epcot and MGM with an occasional day at MK.

What I am trying to say is we bought what we wanted , the Epcot area. Now that the kids are getting older they have their own favorite places which are different now then when we first started going to WDW. If we had purchased for the kids, most likely WLV's then we would be sorry now. We would not be close to where we like to spend our time and the kids have also changed over time from MK to the other parks.

We have stayed at 3 DVC resorts and have liked all 3. We prefer the EPCOT area for Us and the occasional trip to MK is not a problem. The older kids enjoy the BCV's the best and vote to stay there before anywhere else. The younger just know they are at WDW with Mickey.

"Buy where YOU want to stay over the long haul." The kids will grow fast and there taste will change over time.


God luck on your decision.

 

[bcvillastwo]

..................you're doing your research and you don't seem to be rushing to a decision.

I absolutely agree with those who suggest that you take stock of what you like, dislike, etc. and then use that information to make your final decision.

The long time concensus remains, "buy where you want to stay". I still think this is the best advice.

 

[TwingleMum]

You've gotten great advice. Think of the long term where you would want to be and buy there. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Lisa P.]

I agree about selecting your first choice. You will likely be able to get a few reservations at the kids' first choice over the next few years anyway. Many owners try out the different resorts each time. It's fun and easily done unless you plan to vacation over major holidays every time.

Consider how far in advance you are able to plan. If you are normally able to plan more than 7 months ahead of travel, then you'll be able to take advantage of your home resort priority in early booking. If you would normally plan less than 7 months ahead, then home resort won't matter.

Consider when you want to travel. If it's during major holidays and school breaks, then you'll probably want to choose your home resort more carefully, to secure an early reservation there. If you would normally travel during the school year, any points will likely do (except perhaps the first 2 weeks of Dec with low points and holiday lights).

Consider what your children will probably like as teens and young adults... it's here before you know it!!!

 

[rinkwide]

"...opinions on which resort to call home."

Don't worry, you can't make a bad decision (as long as you choose BCV ).